The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a nationwide initiative to train 10,000 medical professionals in advanced and basic life support.

The programme aimed to equip healthcare workers with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to life-threatening situations, particularly those arising from obstructive airway, pulmonary, and cardiac issues.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a one-day workshop in Port Harcourt, President of NARD, Dr Osundara Zenith, highlighted the alarming surge in sudden deaths due to these health issues. He cited a recent incident where a doctor slumped and died after watching a football match, emphasising the need for timely intervention to save lives.

“The reason we’re doing this is because we’ve noticed a surge in sudden deaths arising from either obstructive airway, pulmonary issues, or cardiac issues.

“Unfortunately, people are not sufficiently knowledgeable about what to do in cases of life-threatening situations,” Zenith said. The workshop, which focuses on training doctors on advanced cardiac support, including the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), is part of NARD’s broader goal to enhance medical professionals’ skills in emergency response.

Dr Zenith highlighted the critical need for timely interventions in saving lives, particularly in cases of spinal cord injuries and cardiac emergencies, noting that the workshop was designed to provide medical professionals with the training and skills to respond to emergencies effectively.

He emphasised that the programme is not limited to doctors alone but is open to all healthcare workers, including nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and physiotherapists.