By NASIR MALALI
The Nigerian Red Cross Society-NRCS Sokoto Branch, with the support of the International Committee of Red Cross-ICRC has conducted a three-day intensive Emergency First Aid Team-EFAT Training for volunteers in the State.
Speaking at the event, the state branch Secretary, Shehu Ibrahim Dange said the training formed part of its activities marking the World First Aid Day 2026 and is designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills and operational readiness of volunteers to provide timely and appropriate first aid during emergencies and other critical situations.
He worried that Sokoto State continues to experience situations that requires immediate first aid and emergency response, including road traffic crashes, domestic and workplace accidents, fire incidents, sudden illnesses, injuries, flooding and other community emergencies.
The branch Secretary noted that establishment and strengthening of trained Emergency First Aid Teams provides an important community-level response capacity.
He explained that the move succeeded in training Red Cross volunteers capable of providing first responders at the scene of an incident, providing essential first aid, supporting casualty management, ensuring scene safety and facilitating timely referral or linkage to appropriate health facilities.
He was optimistic that with Sokoto metropolis serving as a major urban and commercial centre, strengthening the capacity of volunteers across communities is crucial to ensuring emergency assistance is available closer to people when incidents occurred.
According to him, throughout the three-day intensive programme, participants are being exposed to both theoretical and practical aspects of Emergency First Aid, with emphasis on emergency assessment, appropriate first aid interventions, casualty management, teamwork, safe response and effective coordination during emergencies.
The branch Secretary added that the initiative reflects the Branch’s commitment to building a competent, well-prepared and responsive volunteer team capable of providing immediate humanitarian assistance and life-saving first aid support during emergencies within Sokoto metropolis and surrounding communities.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
