ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 2, 2013) – The timely response of people around him and the quick arrival of a medical team have saved Wednesday the life of a man who nearly suffered a stroke at a telecom office in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.
Joseph Climaco Directo, whose name was identified through his driver’s license, was at the office of the PLDT and waiting for his turn to be called by the service representative when he suddenly dropped his phone and began shaking, his muscle was contracting, and mouth salivating.
Directo could hardly moved, his eyes shut closed as other customers alerted the security guards who phoned for an ambulance. Concerned customers took turns and massaging Directo’s chest to alleviate his breathing condition until medical help could arrive.
One woman pricked a needle on Directo’s finger tip, saying it would help loosen up the pressure of the man’s body. But medical experts said it would not help a victim of stroke and could only delay treatment.
Members of Zamboanga’s Emergency Medical Services arrived just in time and examined the man whose blood pressure was at 160. It took about 30 minutes before Directo managed to speak, although he was severely disoriented.
The radio station dzRZ of the Radio Mindanao Network also flashed an emergency broadcast to alert Directo’s family about his condition.
Directo was eventually rushed to the Ciudad Medical for emergency medical treatment. (Mindanao Examiner)
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