Ondo State Govt Launches First Responder Training Programme on Rescuing Victims of Medical Emergencies, as Hon. Wellington Adebawo Reiterates Commitment to Emergency Response

The Office of the Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response, Hon. (Prince) Wellington Oriade Adebawo in partnership with Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), has launched a comprehensive First Responder Training Programme aimed at equipping residents with life-saving skills to respond to medical emergencies. The programme, which would last for three days, began on Tuesday April 8, 2025. It is a collaborative effort between the state government and the Health Emergency Initiative.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response, Hon. (Prince) Wellington Oriade Adebawo, expressed his pride in partnering with Health Emergency Initiative to bring this critical training to the state.

In his words, Hon. remarked at the opening phase of the training “Today, we gather to equip 150 participants with the necessary skills to rescue victims of medical emergencies,”  The programme covers essential topics such as rapid assessment and scene management, basic life support, and emergency response planning.

Dr. Mrs. Abigail Mkperedem-Hassan, a certified instructor with the American Heart Association and the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, led the training as the Chief Training Instructor of the Health Emergency Initiative. With her expertise, participants learned high-quality CPR techniques, including chest compressions and ventilations, as well as the importance of early AED use.

The training also covered basic life support skills, including relief of foreign-body airway obstruction for adults and infants. Mirabelle Onyeka, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead at the Health Emergency Initiative, also played a crucial role in ensuring the programme’s effectiveness.

Hon. Adebawo emphasized that the programme aligns with the state government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and safety of its citizens.

The Special Assistant said that the programme’s impact is expected to be felt across the state, with participants equipped to respond to medical emergencies and save lives, when the training is concluded. The American Heart Association’s rigorous training standards and evidence-based education as brought to fore by Dr.  (Mrs) Abigail Mkperedem-Hassan, were instrumental in the programme.

Participants praised the training, citing the expertise of the instructors and the comprehensive nature of the programme.