Undas 2010 Safety Reminders from the Philippine Red Cross

November 1 is that time of the year when most Filipinos dutifully offer their solemn prayers to their loved ones who had already submitted themselves to the afterlife. It is during this time where people from the city devote at least a day to go back to their respective hometowns where most of their ancestors lay to an eternal rest; thus, it has always been anticipated that this season calls for a massive flow of traffic, not only on the roads, but also in cemeteries where the everyone is presumably headed.

"I understand that paying proper respect to our dearly departed every November 1 is an important part of our tradition," said Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang in line with this upcoming All Saints' Day. Presuming the expected crowding of people this said event could cause to several cemeteries in the country, she added, "But as much as we honor this custom, we should also take into account our personal safety." And in accordance to this, she relayed few safety reminders and basic first aid tips for everyone who will go about the said yearly practice:

1. It is advisable to go to the cemetery either a day before or a day after November 1 in order to avoid huge crowd; but if you wish to carry out the tradition on the day itself, try arriving early in the morning, and leaving as soon as you can instead of loitering within the vicinity.
2. Before leaving home, be sure that: (a) you do not leave a candle burning, (b) you unplug all electrical appliances, and (c) you lock your house to avoid unwanted intruders.
3. Do not bring alcoholic beverages and deadly weapons inside the cemetery.
4. Never leave your children unattended.
5. In case of minor wounds, clean the wounded area with soap and water before applying antiseptics like povidone iodine (not alcohol), and cover the wound with gauze.
6. In case of severe bleeding, apply direct pressure over the wound using gauze and bring the patient to the hospital or to a nearby first aid station inside the cemetery.
7. In case of contusion, apply ice compress over the area for more than 20 minutes (intermittent).
8. In case of fainting, do not give ammonia to the patient. Instead, let him/her lie, with feet raised 8-12 inches above. If the patient is conscious, ventilate him/her, loosen his/her tight clothing and give him/her beverages.
9. In case of chest pain, transport the patient to the nearest hospital.
10. In case of cramps, apply cold compress, rest the affected area and elevate, if possible. Have the victim stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the cramp. Massage the cramped muscle firmly but gently. If cramps persist, seek medical help.

Meanwhile, to ensure the safety of the general public, Secretary General Pang highlighted that the PRC will be designating first aid stations with ambulances—manned by their trained staff and volunteers—in several memorial parks, nationwide.

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