In a soul-searching and deeply empathetic inaugural lecture, Prof. Adedamola O. Onyeaso passionately advocated for life-saving measures to help people facing cardiac arrest in Nigeria.
Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of sudden death worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. Tragically, in many emergencies, victims do not receive timely help because bystanders lack the skills or confidence to intervene. Empowering everyday Nigerians with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) skills could transform this grim reality and save countless lives.
Bystander CPR training equips ordinary citizens with the ability to respond quickly and effectively during cardiac emergencies. When performed immediately, CPR can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival. However, implementing CPR training across Nigeria requires innovative, culturally sensitive programs that respect local beliefs, community dynamics, and infrastructure challenges.
The first major goal of any bystander CPR training program is to raise awareness. Many Nigerians are unaware of what cardiac arrest truly is or how crucial those first few minutes are before professional help arrives. Public education campaigns can teach citizens to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and emphasize the importance of immediate action.
Accessible training is another critical step. Workshops and practical classes should be offered in schools, workplaces, markets, and community centers, ensuring people from all backgrounds and age groups can participate. Supporting infrastructure, like making Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available in public spaces where feasible, will further strengthen community safety.
Creating a supportive environment is key. Communities should encourage and celebrate trained individuals, building a strong network of citizen first responders who can act confidently in emergencies.
Schools play a particularly vital role. Training children and teenagers helps create a future generation ready to act and save lives. Inspired by the global “Kids Save Lives” movement, it is recommended that children begin learning CPR from age 12 or even earlier, practicing for at least two hours each year. Integrating CPR into subjects like biology, health education, or sports makes the lessons practical and memorable.
Workplaces represent another powerful opportunity. Employees and employers can become essential first responders in offices and factories, preventing avoidable loss of life.
Public spaces also hold enormous potential. Training market vendors, bus drivers, and other community workers who interact with large groups daily can create a safety net throughout cities and rural areas alike.
Finally, healthcare providers and family caregivers of patients with heart conditions should be prioritized. By equipping them with CPR skills, they can respond immediately during emergencies and pass on basic life-saving knowledge to those around them.
If more Nigerians are trained in CPR, we can shift from being passive bystanders to active life-savers. Investing in community-focused CPR programs is not just a medical initiative — it is an act of nation-building and community empowerment. By learning CPR, every Nigerian has the power to make a real difference, transforming moments of crisis into stories of survival and hope.