Emergency Response Africa (ERA) Launches First Responder Volunteer Training for Estates

With more than 1.2 million Nigerians needlessly losing their lives every year as a result of lack of proper medical emergency services, it has become imperative to set up a viable solution that would help reduce the high mortality rate and save lives at the community level. 

To this effect, Emergency Response Africa (ERA) organized and successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Estate First Responder Volunteer Training program. This program took place February 17th, 19th, 20th, and 26th 2022; at Emergency Response Africa’s training facility, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. The goal of this program is to help bring critical emergency services directly to homes in all residential estates across Nigeria. 

Photo Session with Estate First Responders Volunteers and Trainers 

The first batch hosted twenty-two (22) different participants representing different estates across Lagos. These participants were taught practical life-saving skills; such as Basic Life Support, Psychological First Aid, and Standard First Aid. 

• The Estate First Responders were trained to recognize early warning signs of emergencies and know when to call for help. 
• They were trained on how to communicate effectively with ERA’s Emergency services personnel to achieve the fastest response. 
• Estate First Responders were also trained on how to deliver First Aid while help was on the way and learned how to support the successful handover of the emergency victims to ERA. 

At the end of the training, volunteers were awarded certificates of participation and inaugurated into the First Responder Volunteer Training Network for further training and future collaborations.

ERA Clinical Lead, Dr Seun Adewummi, facilitating the training session

Dr. Seun Adewummi, ERA’s Clinical Lead stated that “this strategy is the most sustainable method of saving lives at the community level. We are glad that the estate residents are giving their all towards learning and practicing what they have learned. We strongly believe the testimonials from people helped will be resounding.”

 

The Growth and Marketing Lead, Emergency Response Africa; Emmanuel Erhahi, emphasized that “At Emergency Response Africa, we believe everyone should receive emergency medical care in 10 minutes or less, and this program is strategic in helping accomplish this important feat. This first batch was a success and we hope to be joined by other relevant stakeholders to help successfully organize other batches within and outside Lagos state”.

Some of the participants stated their observations from the training; “I was fulfilled when I attended the training. It was shocking to find out at the training that we were doing a lot of things wrong as accidental first aiders. Like, pouring water on a fainted person intending to resuscitate him. It was funny and shameful to learn this was wrong. The lessons learned make me feel like a potential savior among thousands in my estate,” said Ubong Udofia. 

 

“Honestly, this is the best full practical training I had ever attended” Samuel Onye stated while Yemi Smith highlighted that “The training was enriching and comprehensive, delivered by competent instructors in a conducive environment. It was time well utilized, a noble initiative by ERA. Highly recommended for at least one adult in every household.”

 

Participants in action

It is expected that as trusted members and residents of their estates, these trained Estate First Responders will:

• Help individuals and families in their respective estates make informed decisions about their health and well-being during emergencies, 
• Educate other residents on practical emergency preventions and first aid, 
• Liaise with ERA to respond swiftly to critical emergencies occurring within their estate. 

Estates that are part of this training and sign up for the Estate Emergency coverage plans will benefit from faster and more effective emergency response (24/7 day and night), increased safety and confidence of residents, thus building a safer and more cohesive community.

Participants in action

Finally, the CEO and Co-Founder Emergency response Folake Owodunni stated: “This is the first step towards a fruitful long-term relationship between ERA, the estates\’ residents, and the estates\’ first responders. We are convinced that this relationship will help save lives and foster a cohesive community where emergencies are successfully managed by the estate first responders, the estate residents, and ERA.” 

Estate managers and community members interested in emergency response training and coverage should contact Emmanuel (07067743985); Kate  Email (contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com, e.erhahiemma@gmail.com)