The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (ARD-UATH), Gwagwalada, has trained 237 law enforcement officers in emergency response, as part of efforts to strengthen pre-hospital care and inter-agency collaboration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The three-day training, held from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 June, focused on equipping first responders with essential skills for handling accident and unconscious victims.
The beneficiaries included 80 officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 117 officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and 40 personnel from the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) – all operating within the Gwagwalada Command.
In addition to the training, free medical services were provided to the officers, including screenings and consultations aimed at promoting early detection and preventive care.
Speaking during the closing session in Abuja, Dr Adams Egwakhide, Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Committee on Special Duties, said the initiative was borne out of a desire to support uniformed service members who often neglect their own health due to the demands of their duties.
“Many officers only seek care when symptoms worsen. This outreach brings essential health services to their doorstep and encourages early intervention,” he said.
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He noted that the programme also aimed to foster collaboration and trust between medical personnel and other government agencies.
“Building inter-agency synergy is vital, especially in emergencies where communication and mutual understanding can save lives,” he added.
As part of the outreach, participants received health education and screenings for conditions such as hypertension, hepatitis B, and breast and cervical cancer, along with consultations to support lifestyle changes and promote regular medical check-ups.
Dr Egwakhide disclosed that ARD-UATH intends to extend similar interventions to underserved communities in the Gwagwalada axis, including markets, churches, schools, orphanages, and government institutions.
He expressed optimism about future collaborations with stakeholders such as the Gwagwalada Area Council and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to broaden the initiative’s reach.
“Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. For some officers, this was the first time they were screened for hepatitis,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Adewale-Premiere Adeleye, President of ARD-UATH, described the training as a milestone achieved under his leadership.
“This programme enhances synergy with law enforcement, which is critical in today’s challenging healthcare landscape,” he stated.
Dr Adeleye stressed the importance of equipping first responders with life-saving skills, especially as Nigeria grapples with a brain drain in the health sector.
“As healthcare professionals emigrate, those of us who remain must not face unnecessary barriers while performing our duties,” he added.
The training, themed “How to Handle Accident/Unconscious Victims,” focused on Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques tailored for first responders and emergency personnel.
Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly in the face of increasing road traffic incidents and limited access to immediate medical support.
NAN