In a bid to enhance community safety and improve emergency responsiveness, the Lagos State Health District V has conducted intensive training for officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and educators on life-saving emergency response techniques.
Held in Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, the two-day capacity-building programme was executed in collaboration with the Health Emergency Initiative, under the theme “Training on Life-Saving Skills for First Responders.”
According to a Sunday statement by the Lagos State Government, the training focused on equipping first responders with the fundamental skills necessary to act swiftly and effectively in critical situations, especially along highways and within densely populated communities.
Permanent Secretary of Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized the critical role non-medical personnel play in bridging the gap before professional medical teams arrive.
He urged participants to make proper use of the state’s toll-free emergency lines to activate medical responses when necessary.
“The essence of this training is to ensure no first responder is helpless when emergencies strike,” Asiyanbi said. “Whether it’s a traffic accident, sudden illness, or neighborhood incident, basic intervention from trained individuals can make the difference between life and death.”
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Participants received hands-on instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, shock management, recognizing danger signs, and maintaining personal safety while offering assistance.
Dr. Asiyanbi underscored that emergency care shouldn’t be the exclusive domain of healthcare professionals. Instead, he advocated for the democratization of life-saving knowledge, calling on all attendees to further train at least 50 people within their communities and workplaces.
“This is just the beginning,” he added. “We intend to extend these training programmes to religious institutions, community development associations, and NGOs across the state. Our goal is to build a culture of preparedness and quick response in every corner of Lagos.”
The training marks the launch of a broader initiative by Health District V to foster a proactive, health-conscious society and reduce preventable deaths from everyday emergencies.