Volunteering is when you render your time, effort and service to someone without asking for anything in return. That is the spirit of the programs facilitated by the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod (Oblation Corps) of UP-PGH. Students, graduates and professionals alike join together to extend their service to the less fortunate countrymen.
One of the programs include the Emergency Room Volunteer Program. This one deploys the volunteers to the Emergency Department of the Philippine General Hospital to assist the patients and the ER staff. Nursing and medical students from UP, as well as those from the allied health courses, are eligible to volunteer. Graduate nurses and professionals from other universities are also welcome. There are no high standards to be able to render free service to the patients of PGH, but willingness is very important.
I've been in the program for 3 months now and will be extending my attendance as I feel fulfilled doing this. I don't feel guilty over myself not doing anything while waiting for a real job. I can also extend my help to the patients and the staff while gaining significant experiences for myself.
The ER Volunteer Program has several levels. In Level 1, the volunteers are assigned in different areas: the Triage Area which is the first in the line where patients first come to get checked or to seek consult; the Pediatric Area where patients 18 years old and below are treated; the Observation Unit where the patients for admission with benign condition, who are still waiting for a bed/room to be available in the ward temporarily stay; and the Ambulatory Unit where ambulatory patients with emergency conditions that are relatively benign are treated. In Level 2, the volunteers are now assigned in the Acute Care Unit which is like the Observation Unit except that the cases are all critical. This is just like an ICU in the Emergency Room. In Level 3, the volunteers are now in the Resuscitation Area. From the name, it is obvious that the primary job is to help with the resuscitation of patients from heart attacks to victims of gun shot or stabbing. The final level, Level 4 is a little different as the volunteers are now deployed in ambulances as part of the team to take care of the patients while still in the ambulance.
Each level will go on for at least 3 months where volunteers are required to complete at least 100 hours of clinical duty to be able to move to the next level. The schedule is according to availability so it is on a first-come-first-served basis. Each clinical duty should be at least 2 hours and a maximum of 8 hours. There is a log book for attendance and a time card to be signed by the resident doctor. IDs and a uniform shirt are also issued.
Documents that can be submitted include résumé, transcript of records, identification cards, professional license and other documents that have identification. 2x2 and 1x1 pictures are also needed. Upon application, you will fill out a form and must wait to be contacted by the staff for interview. Don't worry, they do contact the applicants. The latest addition to the requirements before being eligible for volunteer is the result of your anti-HBS profile. This can be accomplished in any diagnostic clinic; there are lots around the PGH.
For more information, you can visit the following sites:
http://pahinungod.upm.edu.ph
http://www.pahinungod.org
You can also visit their office at Mezzanine Floor (Above UP Health Service), UP - Philippine General Hospital, Taft Ave., Ermita, Manila or contact them at (632) 526 69 51 or (36906) 313 29 49.
