Follow Us on Google
By Florence Daminabor
In a remarkable display of courage and professional skill, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) expert Chinonso Okoyeaniche saved the life of a construction worker after a sudden medical emergency at a private construction site in the Oshodi district of Lagos.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. when Okoyeaniche, passing by the gated site, noticed a commotion among workers. Several had gathered around a colleague who had collapsed and was unresponsive. Acting swiftly, he introduced himself as an EHS Specialist who works with SIFAX Group as EHS Manager and offered to assist.
Upon receiving permission, Okoyeaniche assessed the man’s condition and found no pulse or signs of breathing. He immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administering firm chest compressions and using a rescue disposable resuscitator mask to deliver breaths. During the intervention, he directed bystanders to contact emergency services and bring the site’s first aid kit.
After several tense minutes, the worker began to breathe again, moments before paramedics from the Lagos State Ambulance Service arrived. The patient was stabilized and transported to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for further treatment.
Witnesses praised the quick action, describing it as “heroic.” One worker stated, “If he hadn’t come at that moment, we might have lost him.”
Speaking after the incident, Okoyeaniche said, “You never know when your skills might be called upon. In that moment, it didn’t matter that I was just passing by someone’s life depended on immediate action.”
The event has sparked renewed calls in the local construction sector for mandatory CPR and first aid training for all site workers, highlighting the critical role of emergency preparedness in saving lives.
