The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Sunday trained 600 first responders on Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BSL) during emergencies.

Among the first responders trained included, journalists, security operatives, paramilitary personnel, market women and bus drivers, among others.

The training programme with the theme: “Advancing the legacy of quality healthcare” was part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the hospital on May 12, 2023.

The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Dr Darlington Obaseki, said that the essence of the programme was to train those who are not doctors on how to resuscitate people during medical emergencies.

Obaseki noted that the training would provide participants with the knowledge and skill required for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other relevant procedures needed in emergency situations.

“As a hospital, we decided that we want to use this opportunity of our 50th anniversary to come and teach the first responders who are usually the first at the scene of an emergency.

“If you are a journalist covering an event and somebody collapses, you should not be waiting for a doctor to come.

“That is why we are here to teach us what to do in such situations. You do not have to be a doctor, you do not have to go to medical school to do these things,” Obaseki said.

The Deputy Coordinator of the Paramedic Training School of UBTH, Dr Abebe John, noted that the training creates awareness of life-saving skills and to safe members of the public that could be involved in any kind of emergency.

John noted that many persons were not aware of these life-saving skills adding that, so many persons had died as a result of these skills not being used on them.

The highlight of the training programme was the presentation of certificates to participants.