Tourist first aid facilities and booths will soon rise in several major beach destinations, Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday.

The DOT signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) on the establishment of tourism first aid facilities in Boracay, La Union, Panglao in Bohol, Siargao, Palawan and Puerto Galera where there is lack of accessible healthcare.

“The tourist first aid facilities shall serve as the emergency response mechanism for any tourist who may encounter accidents or injuries while they are at our islands. This shall be manned by well-trained healthcare personnel, complete with the necessary medical equipment and medicines to ensure timely and efficient emergency response,” DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said in her speech during the ceremonial signing of the MOU in Makati City.

The facilities will serve a dual purpose of preventive care as their second floors will be designated as life guard station or viewing decks to oversee the tourists’ condition.

To address medical concerns of tourists without needing medical personnel, solar powered tourist first aid booths along the beachfront will be put up.

Each of the booths will have first aid supplies, automated external defribrillators, a pullout stretcher, a CCTV camera, and a two-way communication system to a command center for distress calls.

On May 2, the TIEZA Board of Directors approved and appropriated PHP47.5 million for the first batch of tourist first aid facilities and booths. (PNA)