How Deloitte Nigeria is Building a Workplace Ready for Medical Emergencies
Deloitte Nigeria, a leading professional services firm, has been at the forefront of providing audit, consulting, risk advisory, financial advisory, and tax services in Nigeria since 1952. With over 600 employees, the firm serves clients across industries, helping businesses navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable growth. As part of its commitment to workplace safety, Deloitte Nigeria sought advanced emergency response training to ensure its employees act fast, and act correctly to any medical emergencies.
Challenge
Deloitte has strong internal policies and a highly capable workforce, but management understood that emergencies are unpredictable. What if an employee suddenly collapsed? What if a choking incident turned life-threatening? Some situations demand that someone nearby have life-saving skills.
With this in mind, Deloitte sought expert guidance from Emergency Response Africa (ERA). Initially, ERA recommended standard First Aid and CPR training, but Deloitte wanted something more in-depth, training that would prepare employees for high-risk emergencies like cardiac arrest and airway obstruction.
This led them to choose Basic Life Support (BLS), an advanced program accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA).
Solution
Emergency Response Africa (ERA) designed a customized BLS training program tailored to Deloitte’s workplace environment. A team of certified instructors conducted an intensive one-day session for 13 employees.
The training combined hands-on practice with real-life emergency scenarios, ensuring participants could confidently perform high-quality chest compressions, proper airway management, and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Despite the complexity of BLS, Deloitte employees remained highly engaged, asking insightful questions and mastering each step with precision.
As part of the requirement to become certified, each staff member undertook a formal BLS assessment, all 13 participants excelled in demonstrating the essential techniques and earned their official Basic Life Support certification.
Results
Following the BLS training, Deloitte’s workforce reported feeling more secure about handling medical crises. This shift in mindset bolstered teamwork and reinforced Deloitte’s culture of mutual support. Leadership noticed a growing awareness across the firm, with employees routinely checking in on each other and discussing safety matters.
What is Basic Life Support (BLS) and Why It Matters
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a specialized emergency training that goes beyond basic First Aid. It focuses on sustaining life in critical situations like cardiac arrest, choking, or breathing difficulties before professional medical help arrives.
Unlike standard First Aid, BLS emphasizes high-quality CPR, the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and effective teamwork in medical emergencies. This training is essential for workplaces where employees may face unexpected health crises.
Partnering with accredited organizations like Emergency Response Africa ensures that the training received is of the highest standard. ERA’s affiliation with the American Heart Association guarantees that the BLS curriculum is both comprehensive and up-to-date.
For Deloitte employees, this meant gaining confidence in their ability to handle emergencies, knowing they were trained under globally recognized guidelines. Such confidence is crucial, as it empowers individuals to act decisively during critical situations, potentially saving lives.
How Training Prepares Employees for Real-Life Emergencies
Deloitte’s decision to train its employees in BLS was not just about learning techniques; it was about building confidence. Knowing how to respond quickly in emergencies reduces panic and increases the chances of survival.
The hands-on approach used by ERA helped participants practice under real-life conditions, making them more prepared if an actual emergency occurred. By the end of the session, each Deloitte participant knew exactly what to do in case of a sudden health crisis.
What Other Companies Can Learn from Deloitte
Deloitte Nigeria’s commitment to emergency preparedness sets an example for other organizations. Investing in life-saving training does not just benefit employees, it strengthens the entire workplace. Companies that prioritize health and safety create a more supportive environment and show employees that their well-being matters.
For organizations looking to improve their emergency preparedness, Emergency Response Africa provides expert training programs tailored to workplace needs. Contact us at contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com to equip your team with the skills that can make a difference in critical moments.
