The Association of Retired Directors of Finance and Accounts has partnered with a training institute, Careskills Academy Nigeria Limited to provide a life-saving training programme for some Government officials to equip the participants with vital skills in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and emergency response.
The training, which was held recently at the STO Resource Centre, Alausa, provided hands-on experience in lifesaving techniques for the participants and also underscored the importance of these skills in preventing loss of life during critical incidents.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Samuel Asegere
highlighted the significance of the training, noting that equipping officials with CPR and emergency response knowledge is crucial for maintaining public safety, especially in a fast-paced urban environment like Lagos.
He expressed gratitude to the State Government for its support and encouraged participants to apply the skills they had learned in both their professional and personal lives. Asegere noted that the training is expected to be extended to other levels of Government and public service to ensure a wider spectrum of state employees is prepared to act swiftly in times of emergencies.
The Chairman decried the rate of untimely death among members, non-members and potential members of the Association, saying that some of the deaths could have been averted if immediate CPR and emergency response had been available.
“Many of these deaths occurred due to the absence of timely help in critical situations, particularly in cases of unexpected collapse. Equipping Government officials and retirees with CPR knowledge and emergency response techniques could significantly reduce the number of avoidable deaths”.
“He expressed confidence that the training will empower the participants with the necessary skills to respond swiftly during emergencies, thereby potentially saving lives”, Mr. Asegere noted.
The Chairman thanked the State Government for supporting the Association and for allowing some officers within the public service, especially the staff of the State Treasury Office, to participate in the training.
The training on CPR, First Aid and other emergency responses, facilitated by the CEO of Careskills Academy, Mrs. Adedoyin Oseni exposed the participants to up-to-date and scientifically proven methods of handling emergencies.
Mrs. Oseni emphasised the importance of continuous education in life-saving techniques, stating that the training would not only improve the quality of care the participants can provide but also enhance their confidence in dealing with emergencies.
“Emergencies can happen at any time, and the ability to respond promptly can make all the difference. Our goal is to ensure that participants leave here empowered with the knowledge and skills to save lives”, Mrs. Oseni stated.
The facilitator, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Association, called on the Government to enforce existing laws that emphasise the need for organisations to have necessary emergency plans in place with trained personnel.
She said the Government must also deliberately increase public awareness about having the right emergency plans, equipment and personnel in place, especially in public places.
Participants at the training expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn practical life-saving skills.
They acknowledged the need for such training, given the vulnerability of retirees after exiting active service, particularly when health emergencies occur without immediate assistance.
