Army to get 23 Humvee ambulances

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 24): Army to get 23 Humvee ambulances

The Philippine Army will formally receive tomorrow Humvee ambulances to enhance its medical emergency responsiveness and efficiency, leading to a higher survivability rate among combat casualties.

A blessing and turn-over ceremony for the 23 units M1152 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) / (Humvee) will be held at Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo tomorrow at 7:30 a.m., with Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin as the guest of honor and speaker.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel J. Detoyato said that the military ambulances they will receive next week are part of the 30 units M1152 HMMWV procured under the Philippine Defense Reform Program to enhance the Forward Health Service Support System of the Philippine Army. The remaining seven units are expected to be delivered in February.

Detoyato said each ambulance is equipped with a life support system including oxygen tank, suction system, upper litter rack, sliding/stowing attendant seat, first aid kit, tools and manuals, among others which can provide immediate medical response to wounded troops prior to their transfer to medical facilities.

“The procurement of these new ambulances will improve the medical care capability in the Army, particularly in the frontline units, leading to a higher survivability rate among combat casualties,” Detoyato said.

The blessing and turn-over ceremony will be witnessed by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr.; Army Commanding General Lt Gen Hernando Iriberri; and personnel from the Department of National Defense (DND), General Headquarters, and the Philippine Army.

http://www.mb.com.ph/army-to-get-23-humvee-ambulances/