The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has created a framework to train all Nigerians in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The President, Prof. Augustine Odili, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of its “Bring Back to Life” programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
This preserves brain function until further measures can restore blood circulation and breathing in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.
According to odili, the NCS has been working on this framework for the past year, bringing together experts with extensive experience in resuscitation.
“The curriculum includes certification, retraining timelines, and trainer development.”
Odili emphasised the importance of everyone, regardless of age, knowing how to perform CPR.
“Last year, the society launched “Know Your Numbers” to raise awareness about blood pressure and its link to sudden cardiac arrests.
“Nigeria has also developed its own Public Access Defibrillator for CPR, which should be accessible in all public spaces,”he said.
In his keynote address, Prof. Adeola Animashaun, Consultant paediatric cardiologist, Lagos State University College of Medicine, highlighted the alarming rise of sudden deaths in Nigeria, stressing the need for action.
She attributed most sudden deaths to cardiovascular risk factors, advocating for regular blood pressure checks and a healthy diet.
The National Orientation Agency’s Director-General, Mr Lanre Issa-Oniru, emphasised the importance of making medical knowledge accessible beyond medical professionals.
He suggested taking the message to communities, mosques, and churches to effect change.
She said that the NCS aimed to shift the narrative from “slump and die” to “slump and live” through determination, regular CPR training, and hard work.(NAN)
