Filipino-Canadian nurse Glesy Banton-Victoria had intended to join the Lapu-Lapu Day street festival in Vancouver on Saturday but opted to rest due to exhaustion from attending a funeral earlier in the day. Upon hearing about a vehicle plowing into festival attendees, she was shocked by the harrowing details, questioning the reality of the situation.
Working as an experienced emergency room nurse in Surrey, B.C., Banton-Victoria shared that while she has encountered many deceased individuals in her profession, witnessing the tragic event would have likely left her paralyzed with shock. Being part of the Filipino community herself, she expressed how the incident deeply impacted her on a personal level.
Authorities reported on Wednesday that the tragedy resulted in the loss of 11 lives, including three family members from Colombia, with a 22-month-old toddler and two others in critical condition. Numerous individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Banton-Victoria expressed her concern for the victims and speculated on the Filipino nurses who are likely caring for them during this challenging time. She emphasized the emotional toll this event would have on Filipino healthcare workers, particularly those working in emergency settings.
Adriane Gear, president of the B.C. Nurses’ Union, highlighted the distressing nature of such mass casualty incidents, especially concerning for Filipino nurses who might have personal connections to the festival tragedy. She mentioned the psychological impact on nurses who volunteered at the scene and witnessed the horrific incident unfold.
B.C. Premier David Eby acknowledged the significant contributions of the Filipino care community within the province, emphasizing the need to support and assist them during this difficult period. The heartfelt sentiment resonated with Vancouver nurse Ron Burke, who founded OMNI College to aid internationally educated nurses, including those from the Philippines.
Reflecting on the incident, Filipino nurse Jennie Arceno expressed her worries about healthcare workers processing the trauma they experienced while attending to the injured. She recounted her shock upon seeing distressing footage from the festival and emphasized the emotional toll it took on her and others in the Filipino community.
Despite the tragedy, Banton-Victoria conveyed a message of resilience, stating that the event should not define them. She praised the courage and dedication of Filipino nurses, recognizing their vital role in providing care and healing to the community.
Statistics from Statistics Canada revealed a significant presence of Filipino healthcare workers across the country, with various provinces, including British Columbia, actively recruiting nurses from the Philippines to address staffing shortages. The incident has brought to light the challenges and sacrifices many in the Filipino community have faced to establish themselves in Canada.