WAPA trains women-focused NGOs on First Aid techniques

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has engaged women-focused Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) in the state on first aid resuscitation training.

Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, on Wednesday said the one-day workshop was organised to equip participants on basic first aid knowledge.

Dada, represented by Mrs Itunu Babarinde, Director of NGOs unit in WAPA, said women and girls were the most affected in emergency cases, necessitating the need to train them on live saving techniques.

“Disasters and other emergencies are unfortunate occurrences, where anyone, regardless their age, where they live, or what they do, can find themselves faced with an unexpected but dangerous situation, which is beyond their ability to prevent.

“It is important that households and workplaces have a first aid kit that meets their needs and is well organised, fully stocked and readily available at all times.

“It is also smart to include a list of your healthcare providers, like the Lagos State Emergency response numbers #767 or #112, and prescribed medications in your first aid kits.” She spoke.

She, however, urged women in Lagos to enroll into any of the tuition-free 20 skills acquisition centres across the state, in order to be equipped with vocational skills to enhance their financial status.

One of the facilitators at the workshop, Mrs Aduragbemi Esther, said there was need for Nigerians to be acquainted with the basic rudiments of first aid.

“First aid refers to the emergency or immediate care you should provide when a person is injured or ill until full medical treatment is available.

“For minor conditions, first aid care may be enough while for serious conditions, first aid care should be continued until more advanced care becomes available.

“It is very important for us to know the fundamentals of First aid, various types of emergency scenarios and the standard first aid procedure to help reduce mortality rate in the state.

“You must understand that the decision to act appropriately with first aid can mean the difference between life and death,” she said.