TARLAC CITY — Tarlac Second District Representative Victor Yap recently urged the passage of House Bill 539 or Pre-hospital Emergency Care Act.
This act seeks to institutionalize a national pre-hospital emergency medical care system and establish the supervision, control and regulation of the practice of pre-hospital care professionals.
“In a country frequented by many calamities year in and year out, and where accident is one of the leading causes of death, there is a strong need to institutionalize a system that will allow the growth and development of pre-hospital emergency care while at the same time ensuring that the pre-hospital emergency care received by every Filipino meets the standards set by the proper regulatory body to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of pre-hospital emergency care services in the country,” Yap said.
The lawmaker added this measure aims to establish a more responsive and organized pre-hospital and emergency care system through the creation of National Pre-Hospital Council (NPHCC) under the Department of Health.
NPHCC is mandated to develop internationally-accepted standards for the practice of pre-hospital care professionals, to ensure the development of pre-hospital emergency care system at the national and local level and the proper implementation of the law, and the regulation of pre-hospital emergency care profession.
Furthermore, it provides training programs, courses and continuing education for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) conducted by institutions recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Higher Education Institution (HEI) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“The NPHCC, in coordination with TESDA, CHED, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and accredited professional organizations, is tasked to prepare, update and maintain a roster of certified EMTs,” Yap stressed.
Also, emergency medical vehicles must comply with the minimum requirements for the design, construction, performance, equipment, testing and appearance.
Yap noted only emergency medical vehicles shall be allowed to display the word “Ambulance” and the universally accepted “Star of Life” symbol.
The Pre-hospital Emergency Care Act penalizes the illegal use of the Universal Emergency Telephone Number and the unlawful practice of pre-hospital emergency medical service.
Bills on the same subject matter have also been filed by Rep. Teddy Baguilat (Lone District, Ifugao), Rep. Angelina Tan (4th District, Quezon), and Rep. Ron Salo (KABAYAN Partylist).
These bills have been jointly referred to the Committee on Health and the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation. (CLJD/TJBM PIA-3)