31/07/2026
Service Above Self
SERVICE ABOVE SELF đźš‘
After falling short in his application to join the Bureau of Fire Protection, Paolo Guela demonstrated that public service does not begin with a position, rank, or uniform.
On July 24, 2026, Guela was traveling home to Bulan, Sorsogon, after taking the BFP Physical Agility Test as an applicant under the Emergency Medical Services category. He did not qualify for the next stage of the recruitment process.
During his journey, however, he encountered a road traffic accident involving a person who had sustained a serious head injury.
Drawing from his emergency-response training, Guela immediately stopped and organized the people at the scene. He instructed bystanders to contact the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and 911, use flashlights to improve visibility, help control passing traffic, secure the area, and inform the victim’s family.
Guela assessed the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation before conducting a DCAP-BTLS examination—a method responders use to look for deformities, wounds, tenderness, swelling, and other possible signs of trauma.
He remained with the injured person until the MDRRMO rescue team arrived. Guela then transferred his assessment to the responders and assisted in stabilizing the patient’s cervical spine, applying a neck collar, securing the patient on a spine board, and moving the victim into the ambulance.
The account and medical-response details came directly from Guela’s public post. No separate public statement from the BFP or the responding MDRRMO unit confirming the entire incident was located.
Although the result of his BFP application was not what he had hoped for, Guela said the experience strengthened his commitment to continue learning, volunteering, and serving wherever he is needed.
“I may not have entered the Bureau today, but I will never lose the heart of a responder,” he wrote.
Guela’s actions showed that his willingness to serve remained intact even after a personal disappointment. He may not have earned the uniform that day, but when an emergency unfolded before him, he chose to stop, apply his training, and help.
