Abuja: The Federal Government has commenced comprehensive training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Basic Life Support (BLS), and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for staff of the Federal Ministry of Health. This initiative aims to enhance emergency response capabilities in incidents of cardiac arrest.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training exercise is supported by the Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) and the Society for Public Health and Social Development. Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, inaugurated the program, highlighting its importance as a strategic policy action following the National Council on Health’s recognition of sudden cardiac arrest as a public health emergency.
Dr. Salako emphasized that the training is a deliberate move to build life-saving capacity beyond medical facilities, noting that cardiac arrest can occur anywhere and requires immediate action by trained responders. The initiative aligns with the ministry’s goals of promoting preventive healthcare, occupational safety, and quality service delivery.
The exercise is set to expand beyond the Federal Ministry of Health, reaching communities nationwide to empower citizens with the skills necessary to recognize cardiac arrest, initiate CPR, and use AEDs effectively. Dr. Salako expressed gratitude to the NCS and other partners for their contributions to the training, which aims to improve health outcomes and enhance public safety.
Dr. Olanrewaju Olatunji, Deputy Director of the Trauma Emergency Disaster Response Programme at the ministry, stressed the importance of CPR knowledge for everyone. He pointed out the critical nature of the first four minutes following a collapse, emphasizing the need for immediate CPR to prevent brain damage or death.
Prof. Augustine Odili, President of the NCS, revealed that the council is developing training modules and certification processes to standardize CPR, BLS, and AED education in Nigeria. He noted that many Nigerians with CPR training hold American Heart Association certifications, and the NCS is working on establishing local protocols for public access defibrillator installations.
The initiative addresses the high incidence of cardiac arrest attributed to cardiovascular diseases linked to hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. By equipping individuals with essential life-saving skills, the program aims to foster a network of first responders capable of handling medical emergencies across the nation.