Mabel Sunga Acosta: Central 911 Bravo Team won as Grand Champion in the EMS Competition 2018

Brisk. Resilient. Alacritous. Vigorous. Obliging.

These rudiments were the very core of the inner desires of five exceptional individuals. These made them who they are right now – CHAMPIONS.

History made its own trail for Davao City Central 911 Bravo Team - branded as the juniors - for winning the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Competition during the recently concluded EMS Asia Conference 2018 held here in Davao City. The very first for the City of Davao and for the Republic of the Philippines. They outdid Makati CDRRMC and the defending Champion, Singapore Civil Defence Force, who placed 3^rd and 2^nd respectively.

Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta represented Mayor Sara Z. Duterte in the
Closing Ceremony of EMS Asia 2018. Davao City Central 911 Bravo Team
hailed as Grand Champion in the EMS Competition 2018.

Central 911 Alpha and Bravo Teams were among the 10 teams
participating in the EMS Competition.

Finalists: Makati CCDRRMC, Singapore Civil Defence Force
and Davao City Central 911 Bravo Team.

Indeed, every member of the team has its own strengths and weaknesses. All of which were the essential components in achieving their common goal - to perform efficiently as a team and to show that Filipinos, especially Davaoeños, can be equally competent with other EMTs from the Asia-Pacific Region notwithstanding the lack of experience in competitions and the limited resources.

EMS Competition Proper.

Imagine, they were constantly practicing and mastering the skills needed for less than three weeks, even staying up late in the training center and waking up early for work the following day. It was beyond imagination, but what gave them the drive to do so? Hunger for amour-propre.

Mentoring by Dr. Hannah Mia Monica Taya and Dr. Enrico Ian Deliso.

Yes it may be true that it came with some brawls and adversities, but as Phil Jackson once quoted, "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” Their very strength was each other and the zest of camaraderie that bonded them.

Bravo Team: Z, Jay, Bianca, Riza and Gelo.

Unexpectedly as they collectively manifested, turn of event was in their favour. They made it! They won!

Bravo Team with COO Mr. Emmanuel C. Jaldon at Central 911 HQ.

But how did their innate fortes bolster each of them and the team? Get to know more about the Bravo Team and be inspired with their humble stories.

Brisk. A swift and efficient team leader best describes Paul John Raymund L. Ang, RN. Jay as what his teammates call him is a very determined and dedicated man both in his work and other commitments. He’s a former call enter agent turned EMS ace for the time being. He is an admirable achiever in academics which eventually led him to top his class. A year in the operations, he was granted the position Station Commander for one of Central 911’s Satellite Station. He always have this positive vibe which encourages his teammates to never hold back and to be in their best all the time.

As the Team Leader, he carried a bunch of baggage in his shoulders which motivated him to strive even more, especially for those people who believed in him. He definitely embodied the qualities of a true leader. But in times when he’s stressed, he will suddenly grab a whiteboard pen and fill the board with all the stuff he mastered. Putting all his effort in teaching his team everything that he knows, especially in BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is his way of releasing stress. Moreover, he is an instructor at the American Heart Association and hopes to master the field soon. Outside Central 911, he has a good eye in photography which he would want to chase, in time.

Resilient. The flexible, calm and highly-spirited Riza Mae J. Pulido, RN is the team’s big sister figure. What she does best was telling the team to focus constantly and not to be stressed too much with the heavy pressure they were carrying. She has a strong personality, but she also have the kindest heart among the peers. Riza used to work in a hospital in the locale, but because she thirsts for a more exciting and challenging job, she joined Central 911.

Most of the members of the Bravo Team are into academics and physical strength, but no one comes close in personifying the phrase glitter and grit other than Riza. She’s the team’s cross fit junkie. Undeniably, she is very tough and focused in every run she faces; always instilling in her mind how she loves her work, her dream job. She's more on furnishing the drills and leading the team towards an excellent outcome. Her colleagues sometimes marvel where she gets her strength to train right after a toxic 24-hour shift. She is the like of Wonder Woman, having valued with utmost importance dedication, perseverance and hard work.

Alacritous. When you speak of the most prompt, genteel and assertive Bravo, that is definitely Zigfred T. Ensomo, RN. He is very determined to win in the competition and always aiming high to achieve his desired goals and doesn’t settle for less. Characterized as the time bearer during practices because he is always reminding everyone to be more diligent and value every tick of the clock. He defines a strict and upright person.

Z is one of Batch 13’s achiever. He has mastery over Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic injuries. Having him in the team is a big edge and the wisest decision for the institution. Also, Z can perform multi-tasking effortlessly with due consideration on his teammates being covered without compromising the adeptness of his performance. He maximizes his assistive roles very well. Despite all of these, he also shares a story of misfortune. His family once experienced flood in Bangkal where all his documents for the Nursing Board Exam got lost. But as a willed man, he carried himself up until he becomes what he sees in the mirror right now. Currently, he is a member of the EMS Training Team assigned to train new applicants.

Vigorous. Dynamism and open mindedness has always been the affluence of Riz Bianca Nicole F. Castillo, RN. Her dedication and commitment in everything that she do are incomparable. Bianca is considered the most charming and the bubbliest in the team. She’s like a butterfly that gives color and life during dull moments in their practices and possesses the perfect fusion of humor and intelligence. Her team mates best describe her as Posh.

After graduating in the Nursing Course, she worked in the Medical-Surgical Ward of a hospital in Tagum. Originally, she aims to be in the Emergency Room but situations did not allowed her. Those who do not know her personally cannot even figure out that she’s already an EMT, unless revealed by her. She has high regard and belief that quality of work in performing the procedures should always be prioritized, regardless of the clients’ status and background. For her, every day is a learning experience and a chance to improve one’s self. Bianca is the Assistant Team Leader of Team 1 for Operations despite being young in the service. She may be sylphlike but you will get hold of yourself once you witness how fluent she performs. Skills wise, she’s a legit.

Obliging. Being tactful, considerate and conscientious are few of the noble qualities of Angelo F. Curugan, RN. This modest guy is giving vibrancy and positivism at all times. His commitment and desire to provide the team with a multi-functional alternate has been his goal, which eventually he maintained up to the end. He indeed has the biggest challenge by learning all the possible sides of the cube, by being a team member or the team leader.

Formerly, Doh aims to be in Medical School but unexpectedly his luck led him to Central 911. Being there in the institution, he hopes to find a venue where he can improve his skills, competencies and critical analysis in handling situations during runs. He may be look goofy at first glance, but you will be astounded when you see him in action performing the runs flawlessly. The team is very thankful for having him around. He is always tapping his “Kol” or buddy Z’s back to ease his mood and constantly reminding the team that all things are possible if they have trust and faith with each other. As a result, he became the pillar that they can lean on anytime.

Bravo Team during the Fellowship Night.

With such overwhelming characteristics that the Bravos were stemming, there’s no ounce of doubt why they were hailed as Champions. Truly, in every team’s success, a collective effort and synergized team work were always the big contributing factors.

Putting trust and confidence with each other builds a good foundation of a formidable team. A team that can never be shaken by a grim situation and pessimism. Being underdogs is just an understatement. What qualifies an outstanding achievement is neither on seniority nor in veteranism, but rather in accepting the individual flaws, endeavoring to improve and utilizing the learning experience to inspire other people.

Bravo Team during the Fellowship Night.

As what the Bravo Team believes in, every humble victory is unique and destined. Nothing comes twice without peculiarities. It goes with their maxim: “No two runs are the same. No two patients are alike. No two experiences are similar.” It is the way the team plays as a whole that determines their success.

Bravo Team with Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta
during the Regular Session on June 25, 2018.

Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta read the Resolution commending
Davao City Central 911 and the Bravo Team.

Thus, the Bravo Team, the pride of the City of Davao and of the Republic of the Philippines, will continue to be an inspiration and a model representation of what a Champion Team should be.