By Analou De Vera The Department of Health (DOH) Calabarzon said 45 health workers from Binangonan, Rizal have recently undergone training on Health Emergency Response Operation (HERO). MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO Regional director Eduardo Janairo said the HERO training is a "continuing commitment of the regional office to equip, train and prepare health workers in the community to respond and provide critical care to people affected by natural disasters, war and other crises, and the health risks that may result in such catastrophic event." The training includes introduction to health emergency response operation, updates on health emergency management, and roles and responsibilities of health workers during emergencies, Janairo said. “Basically, those who respond and provide the initial lifesaving care are health workers from the very communities affected. They are the first responders when people are in need of first aid, triage and other essential health care including assisting in search and rescue operations and providing emergency relief items,” the health official said. Janairo said trained health workers will make the community less vulnerable to hazards and safer from health risks. “It is very important that they are well-trained in good information management system, proper coordination with the appropriate agencies and organizations in specific types of incidents, such as floods, earthquakes, and even acts of terrorism,” he said.