On the 15th of February 2025, the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), with the generous support of the MKF Foundation USA, officially commenced a First Responders Training program for 14 cohorts. This group is primarily made up of medical students from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the University College Hospital (UCH), who are being trained as Trainers of Trainers (TOTs).
Following their training, these cohorts will extend their knowledge by providing life-saving emergency response training to community residents across Lagos State. The initiative aims to empower communities with essential CPR, first aid, and prehospital care skills, ensuring that more people are equipped to respond effectively during emergencies.
Building on Past Success
This program builds on the successful model established two years ago when HEI trained 9 cohorts. These earlier participants went on to train over 503 residents across various Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Mushin, Kosofe, Ojodu, Idi-Araba, and several other communities. This cascading model of training and knowledge transfer has significantly increased community preparedness, reducing preventable deaths and enhancing public safety.
“We are excited to continue our mission of empowering communities with essential emergency response skills,” said Paschal Achunine, Executive Director of HEI. “Thanks to the support from the MKF Foundation USA, we can expand our reach and ensure that no life is lost due to a lack of immediate response.”
A Commitment to Saving Lives
The MKF Foundation USA’s sponsorship underscores the importance of global collaboration in addressing local healthcare challenges. By training medical students as TOTs, the initiative not only equips future healthcare professionals with vital emergency response skills but also ensures sustainability through their work in the communities.
This initiative aligns with HEI’s mission that “None should die,” reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to bridging the critical gaps in Nigeria’s emergency health system through partnerships and community engagement.
As the program unfolds, HEI remains dedicated to fostering a culture of emergency preparedness and ensuring that every community has access to life-saving knowledge and skills.
