Aiming to boost the emergency response capabilities of frontline healthcare providers, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Philippines (APAD-PH) conducted a three-day Basic Emergency Care Course (BECC) Training in partnership with Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM), drawing together first-contact healthcare workers from Eastern Visayas.
The training was conducted last June 3-5, 2025, at Sabin Hotel and Resort, Ormoc City. It was participated by 25 health care providers from the different provinces of Eastern Visayas and was facilitated by emergency doctors from PCEM.
The intensive, skills-based training was designed specifically for healthcare providers working in resource-limited settings, equipping them with life-saving tools and knowledge to assess and manage critical conditions even before a formal diagnosis is available.
Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a dynamic blend of lectures, hands-on skill-building, simulation exercises, and team-based discussions.
Key topics included airway management, trauma care, shock recognition, and response to complex situations such as poisoning and altered mental states. Interactive activities, including a lively “Medication Jeopardy” session, allowed participants to reinforce medical knowledge in a fun and engaging format.
The course also emphasized leadership, communication under pressure, and collaborative decision-making which are critical components for effective emergency response.
The training concluded with both written and practical assessments, alongside individual feedback and group evaluations.
“By empowering local healthcare workers with essential emergency response skills, the BECC plays a crucial role in strengthening disaster preparedness, as it directly contributes to saving lives”.
