By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, has trained 32 First Emergency Medical Responders at its Laje campus to equip participants with essential life-saving skills.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, described the training as part of the University’s dedication to enhancing community health and emergency preparedness.

According to him, “The First Emergency Medical Responders training is an initiative of the University aimed at empowering participants with life-saving skills and demonstrates the institution’s commitment to community health and preparedness.”

Fatusi further disclosed that the University has achieved international accreditation as a training site for Basic Life Support, paving the way for the public to benefit from the programme alongside the proper certification of trainees as professionals.

He emphasised, “The University is now strategically positioned to help stem avoidable deaths often occasioned by lack of emergency medical responses on Nigeria’s highways through cutting-edge knowledge.”

The lead instructor, Professor Akingbola, who facilitated the training from the United States, noted that the programme, which ran from 10 to 13 December 2024, aimed to improve participants’ capabilities in managing medical emergencies.

He explained that it covered critical areas such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and techniques for managing bleeding, shock, and other critical injuries, while also fostering community responsibility.

At the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Mr Fasoranti, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ayodele Adiji, commended the University’s initiative and lauded Professor Akingbola for his dedication.

He remarked that “government is ready to encourage all initiatives that will improve healthcare delivery in Ondo State.”

The training adopted a blended learning approach, incorporating short video lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on simulations.

Participants included police officers, security personnel, teachers, and ambulance drivers.