Stroke death puts emergency responders under scrutiny

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

An internal investigation has been launched into the actions of Iloilo City Emergency Responders after the family of a stroke victim alleged that medical personnel failed to promptly render aid before the patient died.

The patient was identified as Freddie Porras, 61, a resident of Barangay Guinobatan, Leganes.

Porras allegedly suffered a stroke while on his way to the Iloilo Terminal Market at around 2 a.m. on June 22.

He was reportedly driving his tricycle alone to buy supplies for his family’s eatery when he felt unwell upon reaching Barangay Balabago in the Jaro district of Iloilo City and sought help from nearby residents.

Barangay responders later contacted ICER for assistance.

According to Jose Porras, the victim’s son, ICER personnel arrived at the scene but allegedly did not administer first aid or transport his father to a hospital.

Instead, Jose claimed responders waited for family members to arrive before taking further action.

The family said it took them more than an hour to locate the exact area after being informed of Porras’ condition.

When Jose arrived at the scene, he alleged that his father was still seated on the tricycle and already showing signs of rigor mortis, or postmortem muscle stiffening.

Jose said responders told him they had been waiting for the patient’s relatives before touching or moving him.

The family questioned why Porras was not immediately brought to a hospital despite showing symptoms of a stroke.

Jose said he believes prompt medical intervention could have improved his father’s chances of survival.

The Iloilo City government said Thursday, June 25, that initial information showed ICER members assessed the patient’s condition and attempted to contact his family before deciding on the next course of action.

“An internal investigation is now being conducted to determine whether emergency response protocols were properly followed and to identify areas for review and improvement,” the city government said.

The investigation will be led by the City Legal Office.

The city government said appropriate corrective measures would be immediately implemented if any deficiencies in existing protocols are established to prevent similar incidents.

ICER is a division under the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, headed by Donna Magno.

The city government stressed that patient safety remains a top priority and that all emergency response personnel are expected to provide efficient, professional, and responsible service at all times.

It also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of emergency medical services.

Neurologists at the Western Visayas Medical Center previously said stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.

The neurologists emphasized that the sooner a patient reaches a hospital, is assessed by a doctor, and undergoes a brain scan, the better the chances of minimizing brain damage.

Delayed treatment can lead to disability or death.