…..advocates periodic training for emergency responders
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Brain and Spine Foundation Africa has decried the poor knowledge of neurological emergencies among some Nigerians, particularly the emergency responders, thus leading to avoidable bodily injuries resulting from road accidents or death in some cases.
The Foundation advocated periodic trainings for emergency responders, particularly the officials of Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) and several other para-military officials who might be involve in handling road accident victims or other related accidents.
The Foundation, in addition to that, stressed the need for all individuals to have basic knowledge of basic neurological intervention and other basic health emergency response that could save life at critical times before the arrival of official emergency responders.
Founder/ Executive Director, Brain & Spine Foundation Africa, Chika Okwuolisa, said the need for such knowledge or refresher courses necessitated the recent Brain and Spinal Injury Conference with the theme “brain and spinal cord injury prevention on Nigerian roads, public awareness and emergency rescue” held in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Officials of the Nigeria Police Force, FRSC, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) otherwise known as VIO, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), among several other officials, including victims of road accidents, participated in the Brains and Spinal Cord Injury conference.
In her keynote address, Chika Okwuolisa, said the theme of the conference encapsulated the urgency and gravity of the issues that the conference intended to address. “In focusing on brains and spinal cord injury prevention and road safety, we acknowledged the inter-connectedness of our roads, our behaviours, and the precious lives we strive to protect.
“We must know that brain and spinal cord injuries are not mere statistics. They are profound disruptions to lives, families, and communities. Behind each incident of brain and spinal injury is a narrative of pain, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. It’s this narrative that pushes us to find innovative solution, foster awareness, and fortify our emergency response mechanisms.”
She maintained that survivors, through their unwavering courage and persistent demands, have become the driving force behind the commitment to address the issue of neurological emergencies. “Their voice, echoing with pain and resilience, have resounded in our hearts, compelling us to action.
“Their suffering serve as testament to the life-sharing nature of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, not just for the survivors, but for their families and the communities that are witness to their struggles.
“We are confronted with the reality of our strained healthcare system and seemingly unmindful of the health and well-being of our citizens. It pains me to acknowledge that the realm of neurological emergencies, especially traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries finds itself in the shadows of governmental priorities.
“The dream of comprehensive intervention and funding appears distant, and those affected find themselves grappling with neglect in the broader healthcare discourse.”
On his side, the FRSC Corp Marshal, Dauda Biu, who was represented by Dr. Davidson Okuobeya, in his address, said that FRSC as a lead Agency in road traffic administration and safety management activities places great premium on the sanctity of human life and the need to protect same through legislations aimed at preventing avoidable carnages on the nation’s highways.
He said the mandate of FRSC is anchored on the vision to eradicate road traffic crashes and create a safe motoring environment in Nigeria through a sustained public enlightenment; promotion of stakeholders cooperation; robust data management; improved motor vehicle administration; prompt rescue services; effective patrol operation, among others.
He, however, admitted that combating the scourge of brain and spinal cord injury requires multi-sectoral approach, stressing that FRSC welcomes such synergy and collaborations with the Brain & Spine Foundation Africa, in reawakening the consciousness of Nigerians on the disastrous implications of brain and spine injuries not only to the victims who have been reduced to a state of permanent incapacitation but to their immediate families for the stresses of care- giving; and the nation for the huge economic cost in terms of medical tourism abroad.
He said in order to achieve our mission and mandate of zero tolerance to road traffic crashes with its fatal consequences, the Corps established 60 Zebra Points under its Emergency Ambulance Services; established 30 road traffic crash clinics/help areas; established 25 medical centres across the country; established call centre with 122 Toll-Free Number through which the Corps respond to all emergency situations including casualties, women in labour, bomb blast victims and so on.
He added that the Corps also established a synergy and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health through National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System(NEMSAS) to pilot the first National Ambulance Services in Nigeria with 12 Ambulances to support the modest take-off of the scheme, among several others advocacy and enlightenment interventions.”
A Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. Douglas Emeka Okor, in a presentation, appreciated the emergency response of FRSC over the years, but requested more capacity building for the officials of FRSC and others involve in emergency response.
He advocated a new culturally relevant and realistic strategy to improve the training and attitudes of Nigerian drivers, in addition to the need for federal and state governments to fix the roads.
He suggested that every FRSC Unit on the highway should have, at least, two individuals who are paramedics and must also know the nearest health facilities and their capacity from a geospatial point of view.