ABSTRACT

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as mandated by Executive order no. 56 is the lead agency in providing the public with emergency medical services, hazardous material protection technical search and rescue services. This includes creation of programs to further aid the efficient and effective attainment of the mandated function. The researchers believed that the first response of the private sectors would alleviate the damage and the lost lives if it is properly executed and is enhanced with programs that focus on different types of scenarios. Thus, it is then decided to improve the current programs being taught to the community.
This action research sought to mainly understand the importance of establishing an enhanced community-based rescue volunteer program. It will also identify the roles and responsibilities of the fire volunteers during medical response or disaster operations. This will also identify the technical training needs of the community to effectively respond to incidents. In addition, this action research will also identify the risk factors for the volunteer’s welfare.
The stakeholders of this action research will be the BFP personnel assigned at Fire Stations within Region 4A. This also includes the participation of some fire volunteers within the community, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, and the Chief Operations Division of BFP IV-A. The research instrument used in the study is a combination of structured (predefined answers through survey) and unstructured interviews (open interviews). The interview for the respondents consists of two parts: Part I dealt with the respondent’s personal and professional profile. Part II dealt with the assessment of BFP personnel on having a volunteer to their workplace, the importance of volunteer participation and many other relevant questions to the study.
In the context of this action research, both first- and second-person inquiries are utilized. Information for the first-person analysis was gathered applying the individual's own observations, experiences, and position as a member of the organization and collaborator as an insider action researcher. The researchers jotted down their reflections in a study journal.
The second person inquiry generated information through collaborative efforts with the key offices involved which were the Deputy Regional Directors Office for Operations, Chief of Operations Division, and the stations within region 4A..
Moreover, they segregated their level of questioning through Schein’s three types of inquiry: Pure inquiry prompts the elicitation of the story of what is taking place and listen carefully and neutrally. Diagnostic inquiry manages the process of how the content is analysed by the other by exploring (1) emotional processes, (2) reasoning and (3) actions. Confrontive inquiry shares your own ideas, challenge the other to think from a new perspective/
For this action research, the researchers conducted interviews using both structured and unstructured methods. The researchers made use of the idea of the spiral of action research cycles. The results also point out how dangerous it will be for the whole operation and the volunteer itself if they do not have the proper training and technical knowledge in the field. One stated that it could be life threatening and can cause delay if not failure of the whole operation. Now this is alarming. Thus, the researchers were eager to obtain the best results of this research to present on the management for action. It is also noted that proper training on handling equipment were added and the physical and mental health of the volunteers were considered as well. The researchers understood the respondents on this note since they were in the same organization. It has also been stated that our current programs usually serve as just a crash course for some. It shall not be this way, instead we should add more time during drills and training so the people will have confidence that the training they had was of good quality and practice.