FCTA trains health workers in emergency care

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a four-day Basic Life Support (BLS) training program for health workers from seven hospitals within the territory. The initiative aims to enhance emergency response capabilities and reduce preventable deaths through improved medical preparedness. The training, held at the Conference Hall of Asokoro District Hospital, is part of the National Basic Life Support Training Programme approved by the National Council on Health and is certified by the American Heart Association. The program includes health professionals from Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, Gwarinpa, Kuje, Kubwa, and Nyanya hospitals. It is being conducted in two batches, with the first running from August 21 to 22, 2026, and the second scheduled for September 4 and 5. Participants will undergo assessments at the end of the training, with certificates issued to those meeting the required standards. Dr Dolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasized that the training is intended to equip health workers with essential skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies. She stated that the initiative aligns with the FCTA's broader goals of improving emergency services in government hospitals and minimizing avoidable loss of life. Fasawe noted that the knowledge gained by participants would be disseminated among their colleagues and the general public as part of the National Community CPR Initiative. This effort seeks to raise awareness and readiness for emergency situations beyond hospital settings. The FCTA has also expressed plans to establish Code Blue Teams in all hospitals across the territory. These teams would ensure that patients requiring urgent attention receive prompt intervention. According to Fasawe, the ultimate aim is to achieve consistent success in resuscitation cases, thereby building public confidence in government hospitals' ability to provide timely and effective emergency care. Dr Oluseyi Ashaolu, the Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, praised the timing and necessity of the training. He highlighted how the skills learned could potentially prevent avoidable deaths, especially in scenarios where immediate action determines a patient's survival. Dr Rosemary Nwokorie, the training coordinator and a consultant anaesthetist, mentioned that the program is structured in batches to accommodate all interested participants. She also pointed out that the curriculum includes a specialized component called “Stop the Bleeding,” which focuses on techniques for managing severe bleeding in trauma patients prior to receiving definitive medical treatment. The instruction team is led by Dr Onyedika Godfrey Okoye, a trauma surgeon at the Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuju. His expertise adds credibility to the training program, ensuring that participants receive high-quality education aligned with international standards. The FCTA reiterated that this training is one aspect of its ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency care systems. By ensuring that health workers are well-prepared to handle critical situations, the administration hopes to significantly improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare delivery in the territory. The FCTA has indicated that the BLS training will eventually be expanded to cover more hospitals within the FCT. Necessary equipment and resources will be provided to support these initiatives, reinforcing the administration's dedication to enhancing emergency response capabilities across its healthcare facilities.