Medical emergency runs significantly drop

The Department of Public Safety’s emergency medical technicians’ number of responses to emergency situations in the CNMI significantly decreased in 2005, compared with 2004.

According to the Emergency Medical Services, there were approximately 5,307 EMS runs in the Commonwealth as compared with the 7,001 posted in 2004. This is a decrease of 1,694 or 24 percent.

EMS said that in 2005, there were approximately 765 medical-related service runs by the emergency medical technicians for pediatric and adolescent children, a decrease of 265 over that of 1,030 in 2004 or 26 percent. This pertains to children who were transported to the Commonwealth Health Center.

When asked about such a decrease, acting Fire director Thomas M. Manglona said he is not sure about the reason for such significant drop in the EMS runs.

Manglona said probably EMS has been doing better in its publicity campaign.

Yesterday, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial issued proclamations declaring May 14 to 20 as EMS Week and May 17 as EMS Week For Children Day.

Before issuing the proclamations, Fitial commended all emergency medical services providers in the CNMI such as EMTs, physicians, nurses, firefighters, and other members of emergency medical service teams.

“You are always ready to assist those in distress,” said the governor. “You are well trained. You stand ready to save lives. And you should be proud of your profession.”

Fitial said EMTs should be proud of the work they have done to preserve young children, who have special emergency medical needs.

“Keep training, keep learning, and please keep saving lives,” the governor concluded his speech.

Acting Fire director Manglona said this year’s EMS Week theme is “EMS: Serving on Health Care’s Front Line.”

Manglona said the slogan is used to remind the public that EMS is truly an extension of emergency medicine as well as injury and illness prevention.

“EMS is an emissary upon which we rely to bring health care to the people, as well as to bring people to health care facilities,” Manglona said.

He said this year’s EMS Week, they will help the community in planning and promoting activities and bring together other government and private agencies and network in continuing to address the health care needs of the islands and strengthening the overall EMS system.

“So let’s all work together in having our people be better prepared for any emergency,” Manglona added.