The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) has urged the Kaduna State Government to enact legislation that will introduce Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training into the school curriculum.
KADMAM Co-Chair, Garba Muhammad, made the call during a media sensitization programme organised by the Michael and David Alao Memorial Emergency Preparedness, in collaboration with KADMAM and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Garba Muhammad said the campaign aims to strengthen accountability and improve the emergency services established by the state government. He stressed that many avoidable deaths in the past have shown the need for greater public awareness on early medical intervention.
According to him, partnering with the media will help amplify lifesaving information.
“The media are the mirror of society, and sensitising them means sensitising the public. We are teaching journalists techniques for administering emergency support, especially CPR, to persons in distress,” he said.
He noted that incorporating CPR training into the school curriculum would empower thousands of secondary school students with essential first-aid skills, fostering a generation prepared to act during emergencies.
“CPR gives people the ability to provide immediate care. It builds confidence in young people to step in and help — and in extreme cases, it can save a life,” he added.
He urged the government to adopt the initiative to entrench a culture where lifesaving skills become common knowledge.
“If every school leaver is trained in CPR, the impact on survival rates and community resilience will be immeasurable,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Euphemia Ugu, a CPR trainer, explained that CPR helps keep oxygen flowing to vital organs during emergencies, significantly increasing a victim’s chance of survival and reducing the risk of permanent brain damage.
Dr. Oduma Lazarus, Head of Training and FliCk at the Kaduna State Emergency Ambulance Services (KADSEMSAS), highlighted that the agency was established to enhance emergency healthcare delivery and ensure timely access to lifesaving interventions.
He noted that KADSEMSAS operates a toll-free line for swift ambulance response, especially for maternal, neonatal and accident emergencies, adding that the first 48 hours of care are free for pregnant women, children and accident victims.
Kaduna NUJ Chairman, Comrade Abdulgafar Alabelewe, urged journalists to use the knowledge gained from the training to enlighten the public, noting that emergencies can occur at any moment.
Gideon Akintade, Secretary of the Michael and David Alao Memorial Emergency Preparedness Board, said the sensitization aims to equip journalists with the skills to respond appropriately during emergencies.
The Foundation presented KADMAM, KADSEMSAS and NUJ with a digital blood pressure monitor and other souvenirs in recognition of their commitment to promoting sustainable emergency services in the state.
COV: Khadija Kubau
