THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said Monday that it has already assisted 108 patients as the Black Nazarene image is being brought back to the Quipao Church all the way from Quirino Grandstand.
As of 10 a.m. the PRC said there were 58 patients who experienced hypertension, while 40 have experienced minor illnesses such as dizziness, toothache, stiff neck, allergies, minor bruises and abrasion. Four also sustained fractures and abdominal pain.
It said six of the 108 patients were immediately brought to the hospital for further treatment.
Among those injured was a 29-year old male devotee who obtained bone fracture in his feet after being stuck in the middle of the Black Nazarene image carrier (andas) and the gutter in the Quirino Grandstand at the beginning of the Traslacion. He is now undergoing surgery.
Three female devotees also sustained fractures after being stepped on by other devotees after falling from the andas when they tried to climb to touch the Black Nazarene. They were rushed to the hospital for further treatment.
The PRC installed several first-aid stations along the route of the procession to immediately attend to the devotees in need of medical attention while there were also teams roving around the Manila area. For emergency assistance, the public may contact hotline: 143, trunkline: 790-2300, or OpCen: 790-2344 to 45 or 0917-806-8513. (With Quincy Jones Adriano, USJ-R Intern/Sunnex)
