Creating your emergency response system

Accidents are never planned for. If they happen in an organized environment, that could be sorted out easily by calling a fast response unit. What if you are in Nigeria? What is your fate? You could be here as a full Nigerian living and working, or as an expatriate.

During my stay in Europe for medical studies, we could call a certain number for medical emergency and within 15 minutes, we got help. I witnessed this severally, at some point, it became normal to me. However, when I came back, I noticed that same service was either totally absent or inefficient. This prompted me to think of a solution in the interim that can benefit Nigerians while we push for better systems by the elected government.

What I'll share here is a principle, which if applied can help you hold your own at home, work, social gatherings or church.

I call this a personalized emergency response system (PERS). This system is made up of units which comprise several components.

1. The local unit (home, work, in your car, church)
2. Movement logistics unit
3. Hospital unit

These 3 units together form the PERS.

The Local unit

The local unit refers to where the accident can happen and while it may be manifested in different ways, the principle remains the same, made up of the following components:

• Trained people in first aid. I advise that every adult possess first aid skills (VITAL).
• Standard materials for first aid (first aid kit)
• Mechanism for 'call for help'.

Movement Logistics unit

Basically how the victim can be effectively transported from the site of incidence to the site of medical care. Ideally, it should be an ambulance ride with all facilities and personnel, however, due to the situation in Nigeria, we could improvise. Neighbour's car, that of a friend living close-by, company vehicle, or hospital/staff ride. Whatever is the case, there should be adequate planned transport ever before an accident.

Hospital unit

Fundamental principles to be followed are:

• Proximity. Not too far away from the local unit.
• Good access. Road should easily be accessible as emergencies require quick and good movement. For Lagos, avoid hospitals off known traffic roads. A simple journey of 5 minutes can become 3 hours.
• Good/acceptable emergency response/room/facilities.

The hospital unit doesn't necessarily have to be your preferred or primary hospital (may not be your HMO-assigned clinic).

Stitching Together.

Let's use this story to help us understand this PERS. The home is chosen as the local unit

Mr Jack is a customer service head at a leading bank married to Mrs Tonte who works as the head of HR at an IT company. They have 3 kids age 8 months to 10 years and a grown up help in her late teens, and live in a 3-bedroom apartment located in a 4-flat building. They are both mobile (vehicles) and two of their neighbours have also have one car each. One of the neighbour is a technical worker in an oil and gas firm which makes him do one month out two weeks in. His wife uses the car mostly for movement of her kids and personal work.

Mr Jack ensured all three of them (self, wife and help) get first aid training, purchased and equipped a first aid box, bought a phone and ensured it was always charged and recharged (min of N500).

He approached both neighbours with cars and a friend that lives some block away informing them that in case of an emergency, their help may be needed. He also went to SilverHill clinic, a small facility not too far from his home and made a special arrangement with the owner where emergency care can be given on the spot and payment made later, also, the Doctor can quickly come over to his place in the event of an emergency and lack of quick transport. The facility doesn't have an ambulance of its own. The phone numbers of all described above are placed in the contact of the phone with fixed/speed dial for the Doctor.

Sometime later, the 8-month old swallowed a toy and was choking. The help discovered and recognized the situation and immediately performed a manoeuvre that expelled the object, however she called the Doctor to inform him of the incidence and after some questions, the child was allowed to continue play although under close observation (with instructions from the Doctor).

In summary, we can create an efficient and effective emergency response system in our homes, work, churches and even estates following some principles, which will help to preserve our lives till a better one is instituted by the Government.

I consult for organizations, small businesses, estates and individuals/families on emergency response, effective health protocols/setting up of homes, estates, workplaces for optimization of health. You may contact me.