Physicians are urging Nigerians to develop basic first aid skills, emphasizing immediate action over passive observation at accident scenes. Instead of reaching for phones to record or offering mere sympathy, the advice is to call emergency services and apply crucial first aid techniques to the injured. This proactive approach is vital as road accidents remain a significant cause of death in Nigeria, with tens of thousands of lives lost annually.
The recent fatal accident involving boxer Anthony Joshua on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway tragically underscored the critical importance of widespread first aid knowledge. While the incident resulted in injuries to Joshua and his driver, it also led to the loss of two companions. Video footage showed Joshua being assisted from the wreckage in a manner that medical professionals have since condemned as potentially dangerous, highlighting a common lack of proper handling protocols.
The absence of an ambulance at the scene of the Anthony Joshua accident further intensified calls for improved emergency services along Nigerian highways. However, beyond infrastructure, medical experts stress that empowering citizens with basic first aid competence is paramount to saving lives in those critical moments before professional help arrives.
What is basic first aid? It encompasses immediate care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives. This can include controlling bleeding, administering CPR, or stabilizing a fracture. Knowing these skills can significantly improve a victim’s outcome.
Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, National First Vice-President of the Nigerian Medical Association, detailed the initial steps in an emergency. Beyond calling emergency numbers, he stressed the importance of ensuring the victim’s safety from further hazards like vehicle traffic or fuel spills. The victim should be carefully positioned horizontally to prevent further injury, and their airway and breathing must be assessed.
He elaborated on the correct procedure for moving a victim, advising against carrying them like a “log of wood.” The emphasis is on gradual movement and maintaining a flat position to avoid exacerbating any potential fractures. This careful handling is crucial until professional medical personnel can properly place the patient on a stretcher for transport.
Exposing the victim and loosening any tight clothing can also be important steps. Checking for responsiveness and ensuring clear breathing are key initial assessments. If the tongue is obstructing the airway, it needs to be cleared to allow for proper respiration.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was highlighted as a potentially life-saving skill. Dr. Olowojebutu explained the standard five chest compressions followed by two breaths, demonstrating how to use the heel of the hand to press the chest between the ribcage. He noted that many Nigerians are unaware of this technique, but it has proven beneficial for families who have learned it.
Every vehicle should be equipped with a well-stocked first aid box. These kits should contain essential items like IV cannulae, which can be critical for administering fluids to counteract blood loss while awaiting ambulance arrival. Such supplies can be the difference between survival and death.
Dr. Babajide Saheed, Lagos State NMA Chairman, echoed the concerns about incorrect victim positioning and advocated for a national public education campaign. This campaign should equip drivers, passengers, and the general public with fundamental first aid knowledge, promoting the widespread dissemination of Advanced Trauma Life Support protocols.
Implementing these simple yet effective first aid practices can dramatically improve the chances of survival for accident victims across Nigeria. It empowers ordinary citizens to become the first line of defense in critical situations, bridging the gap until professional medical help can take over.
