Kemi Olatunde

To reduce the mortality rate, particularly among accident victims, the government has organised a five-day emergency response training programme in Ondo State.

The exercise, held at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, involves 33 participants undergoing intensive training.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, emphasised the importance of minimising the mortality rate. He noted that this priority informed the board’s decision to demonstrate commitment and leadership in ensuring the training programme was implemented.

According to him, the State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is dedicated to transforming the health sector and has pledged to enhance the training, which will eventually be extended to other participants.

Dr Fasoranti assured participants of skill enhancement through the various training sessions and urged them to remain attentive to achieve qualitative healthcare delivery in the state.

He expressed gratitude to the instructor, Prof Olugbenga Akingbola, whom he described as the best fit for the role, for his partnership. He called for further collaboration to ensure that personnel in the state are adequately trained.

“We are planning statewide training for our people. I will not rest until all the 18 Local Government Areas have ambulances and ensure that all personnel are properly trained to save lives, especially in accidents,” he said.

He urged participants to apply the skills they had acquired, adding, “So that when responsibility comes, you know what and what not to do.”

In his remarks, Prof Akingbola praised the state government’s initiative to establish a robust emergency response system. He highlighted that participants had been trained in high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED), and ambulance operations, among other critical skills.

He called on the government to focus on strengthening the chain of survival for effective service delivery, adding, “If we know where the problems are, we will address that.”

While commending the participants, he promised further collaboration with the state, saying, “If the state is willing to help us, the sky is the limit.”

The representative of the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED and Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Dr Bola Akinkunmi, reiterated the institution’s vision to impact the community. He stated that the training would be elevated through the introduction of a certified course upon completion.

He advised participants to repeat the training every two years to maintain proficiency.

The Permanent Secretary of HMB, Dr Ayodele Ojo Adiji, emphasised the importance of involving drivers in the civil service in the training programme.

Participants, including police officers, teachers, and drivers, were trained in courses such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Basic Life Support (BLS), bleeding control, immobilisation of fractures, and the transport of accident victims, among others.