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12 ambulance mishap rescuers quarantined

BCPO photo

Twelve first responders who rescued the victims of an accident involving an ambulance have been quarantined after the patient on board was confirmed to be COVID-19 positive, Bacolod City Administrator Em Ang said today, November 12.

They were also swabbed for COVID-19 tests and results are expected to be out tomorrow, she said.

Four of the first responders are from the Bacolod fire department, four from the EMR (Emergency Medical Responders) Raptor, and four from the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade (CVFB), she said.

Two of the CVFB members entered the ambulance that figured in the accident to rescue the patient and two others accompanied him to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, their chief, Bryant Lao, said.

The patient is a 78-year-old retired policeman from Kabankalan City.

Lao said he believes the rescuers should not have been swabbed immediately by the city government team, it should have been done about six days after their being quarantined to ensure that they do not develop COVID-19 later.

The ambulance driver was killed and four others were injured in the three-vehicle accident at Lacson-San Sebastian streets, Bacolod City, Wednesday afternoon, November 11.

Jessie James Tranilla, a South Bacolod General Hospital ambulance driver, was killed and three of his passengers and the driver of a JMC van were injured, the police reported.

The ambulance driven by Tranilla that was travelling from south to north along Lacson Street was accidentally hit by a Mitsubishi Montero driven by Kenny J Sorillo Arillo, 21, of Providencia Subdivision, in Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City, the police report said.

Arillo was travelling from west to east of San Sebastian Street, the police report added.

The police said the driver of the ambulance lost control of his vehicle and hit the JMC Van driven by Graellos who was also travelling from north to south of Lacson street.

Maj. Jovil Sedel, Police Station 1 chief, said Arillo was released from police custody today as they could not detain him beyond the 18-hours.

Arillo’s parents have assured the family of the ambulance driver and those injured that they will provide them with the necessary assistance, Sedel said.

He said it appears that a settlement is possible between the parties involved.*

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