ERUF now one of Asia's best

CEBU, Philippines - After years of struggle and toil, the Cebu based Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) now stand as one of the best emergency units in Southeast Asia.

As they celebrate their 25th anniversary on September 13, the group looked back at how they started with only few old junked vehicles at their disposal during emergencies.

Dr. Jesus Ravanes, over all chairperson of the ERUF silver jubilee celebration, told The FREEMAN how proud their team is to have become one of best emergency teams in Asia.

Ravanes said they have exceeded other emergency units in Metro Manila, Makati and Davao City with their relentless efforts in the past years.

They are the only accredited and recognized medical team by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) based in the United States of America together with another emergency medical service (EMS) team in Hong Kong.

NAEMT is a professional association representing all EMS practitioners, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders and other professionals working in pre-hospital emergency medicine throughout the globe.

In their aim to “serve so others may live,” ERUF has worked the path of sacrifice and true service as they are now recognized by various agencies in America and the European Union.

 Though with only minimal supports from local government units where they serve, volunteers have exceeded what the forefathers of ERUF have dreamed in the past – to be world class.

Since 1986, ERUF has grown in terms of manpower, accomplishments both locally and abroad. The group which started with only 24 men has grown to an army of 300 well-trained and selfless personnel.

ERUF has also extended their world class knowledge by training barangay volunteers in Paramedic Training operations like the very active Pardo Emergency Rescue Unit. 

With over 31 vehicles used in various purposes from emergency response and rescue, ERUF is one of the most equipped EMS team in the country. Although they said they are just 75-percent equipped, but no other teams have come close to what they now have.

ERUF RUN

In celebration of their 25th year of existence, the ERUF will host an “ERUF 161 RUN” on September 11, 2011 to raise funds to purchase new portable defibrillators to be used in their day-to-day operations.

A portable defibrillator, which costs P500, 000, is a machine used to shock victim’s heart into action after cardiac arrest.

With such machine on each of their 13 ambulances means more lives could be saved. ERUF is asking the public to support their endeavor for the benefit of every Cebuano under their care.

The run will have 12K, 6K, and 3K which will start and end at Mandaue City Reclamation Area, across Park Mall. The course is fat and fast and will be ideal for all ages. The run will start at 5:30 a.m until 8:30 a.m.

Prize will also be awarded to the top ten over all male and female runners in each category while special awards will also be given to the best in costume, the oldest and youngest runners.

Interested participants can register for only P250 at their headquarters in Banilad Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City Hall, and the Cebu City Sports Center. — (FREEMAN)