Nig Cardiac Society Establishing Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Centres In Abuja

Towards reducing cases of sudden death from cardiac arrest, the Nigeria Cardiac Society, NCS, has commenced the establishment of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Centres in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Convener and Chairman of the programme tagged ” Bring Back to Life” Dr. Akinyemi Aje, explained that the decision to situate Cardio Pulmonary Centers in public places of the territory became necessary because about 89℅ cases of cardiac arrest occurred outside the hospital.

Dr Aje said the initiative is targeted at training people at the grassroots ( first responders) to have the correct knowledge on how to assist in salvaging the lives of victims whenever such incidents occur.

According to Dr Aje, very often Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is done incorrectly by the first responder , while others present at the scene would rather record on their devices in order to post on social media because they have little or no knowledge of CPR.

“This is why the Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS), has come up with the BBL project being launched today, with the objective of taking CPR trainings to the grassroots so that Nigerians will know what to do when confronted with cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death.

“The “Slump and die” phenomenon has no respect for financial status, age, level of education or occupation. It can occur at any place such as: at home, work place, marketplace, motor park, in the hospital, in the plane, in an executive meeting, in a hotel, in the school, etc.

“Slump and live” is achievable if we all work together to change our orientation. Each of us, including children, must be ready to learn the steps on how to bring back life after slumping by doing CPR”.

Flagging off the CPR Centers, Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud lauded NCS strategic plan to install and maintain Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) in all public places with large human traffic; and commitment to train members of the community on actions to be taken to assist affected victims of cardiac arrest.

According to Dr Mahmoud, the alarming rate of cardiovascular diseases has remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and across the globe.

Dr Mahmoud who further emphasised that the programme is a testament to effective public-private partnership in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said FCTA is committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and community capacity.

The Minister, however urged residents to avoid unhealthy life style, even as she urged community leaders, healthcare professionals, and individuals to join this noble cause of promoting a culture of lifesaving interventions to reduce cardiovascular-related deaths.

“I call on all Nigerians and FCT residents in particular to practice healthy lifestyle measures such as physical exercise, reduction in calories intake, reduction in salt intake, cessation of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.

“These lifestyle measures are cost-effective ways of reducing cardiovascular diseases,Mahmoud advised.”

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji