Title

UTILIZATION OF ALTERNATIVE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT IN RESPONDING CALAMITIES; THE STORIES OF RESCUERS AMIDST CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Author(s)

GIO, PRINCESS JOY D.

EGUIA, HEINS DANNYL S.

MAJORENOS, KENTH ALJAY A.

BALAGA, JOHN ALIJANDRO

Affiliation

MISAMIS UNIVERSITY

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science In Criminology

Contributor

CANAPE, BERNAFLOR B. - ADVISER

DANIEL, EDMAR R. - PANEL MEMBER

GUPIT, ELMA FE E. - PANEL MEMBER

CUEVAS, JOSE JR. F. - CHAIRMAN

ORONG, MARKDY Y. INSTRUCTOR

Year

2026

Abstract

Emergency personnel play a crucial and frequently heroic role during these tumultuous and perhaps fatal situations. This study investigated the experiences of rescuers using makeshift emergency tools in disasters and how they respond, innovate, and adjust under extreme and high-stakes situations. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, the study involved five (5) active rescuers was selected through purposive sampling and employed semi-structured interviews analyzed through Moustakas transcendental phenomology. Findings revealed 8 major themes: (1) community involvement matters, (2) resourcefulness and improvisation under pressure, (3) limitation and risk of improvised equipment, (4) delayed operations, (5) psychological stress and uncertainty, (6) training and skills development, (7) teamwork and coordination, and (8) need for local government support. The study concludes that an efficient emergency response depends not only on equipment and policies but also on rescuers’ ingenuity, commitment, and flexibility when they operate under duress. It is recommended that local government units should enhance rescue operations by improving support, training, and collaboration with communities and partner organizations for better disaster preparedness.

Keywords

emergency personnel, rescue, resilience, risk, safety