City officials recently urged all organizers of private and barangay sports events in the city to provide at least one personnel trained in basic life support during conduct of their respective sports activities.
Under Resolution No. 455, series of 2024, local legislators stated that there is a need for immediate medical attention for any health emergency that may occur in a local government-sanctioned sports event.
However, pertinent provisions of existing ordinances do not cover private sports events where such emergencies may occur, thus, the need for the passage of the said resolution.
Section 44 of Ordinance No. 47, series of 2021 provided that to contribute to a better performance of athletes representing the city in local, regional, national and international sports competitions, the local government shall support and encourage training development of its recognized athletes as well as potential athletes in order to be at par or above the national and international standards.
Further, the local government, through the City sports and Recreation Division, shall ensure an adequate and effective guideline in the training of its athletes and potential athletes by adopting strategies such that the city owes every athlete who participates in sports a duty of care, has identified best health and safety practices and implements a comprehensive risk management and child protecting programs.
Moreover, Section 68 of the same ordinance stated that all competitive sporting events to be conducted in the city shall ensure to coordinate with a medical team, such as Emergency Medical Services, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), City Health Services Office (CHSO) and barangay health workers and shall stay on stand by until the end of the sports activity.
No sports activity shall be allowed to proceed using local government sports facilities, area and playing ground if an organizer or local sports association fails to coordinate with a medical and emergency team.
The council claimed that the personnel trained on basic life support must have undergone basic life support training from an accredited agency, such as the CDRRMC, CHSO, DOH, or the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) using nationally recognized evidenced-based guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and psycho-motor training to support the instruction.
The body stipulated that a certification shall be issued by the accrediting agency upon completion of the same.
It added that the personnel trained may be the referee, coach, or any other person who shall be on stand-by until the end of the sports activity.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the concerned agencies, sports associations, the Association of City Official Referees, sports organizers, barangays, and the City Sports Office for their information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See
