A consultant cardiologist, Dr Monisola Adanijo, has stressed the need for Nigerians to have the knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Adanijo explained during an interview that a lot of people who died suffered from cardiac arrest could have survived if the people around them had the knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
She said: “Public health awareness is important in preventing deaths from cardiac arrest. People should know about risk factors and how to avoid them, as well as what to do in an emergency situation. There has to be an efficient emergency response system in place. From the emergency call centres, first responders, and ambulances, to the education of the citizens on the emergency numbers in their various locations.
“It is important to note that those who survive sudden cardiac arrest do so because of the actions taken by the people around them during the first few minutes of the event.
“The odds of survival improve if the onlookers know what to do in such situations. Training on first aid and CPR for the general public cannot be overemphasized.”
The expert said congenital heart issues may not necessarily be prevented, but the risk factors could be prevented.
