BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World First Aid Day, safety experts have emphasized the need for organizations to provide First Aid boxes in line with the World Health Organisation’s standard.
The experts spoke with Oluwatosin Ighoteguono in Akure, Ondo state capital.
First aid is the immediate care given to a sick or injured person before being transferred to a hospital for professional care.
To achieve a first aid treatment, there is the need for first box which according to the World Health Organisation must contain scissors, Gauze pad, safety pin, antibiotic ointment, allegy medication, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves among other essential items.
An Emergency response specialist and first aid trainer, Mr. Dele Adewole said lack of first aid box in offices had sent some Nigerians into their eary grave.
Mr Adewole emhasized the need for proper awareness on the importance of first aid box and treatment in saving lives, calling on government and stakeholders to step up sensitization efforts in churches, schools, markets, and organizations.
Mr Adewole also stressed the need for the use of emerging technologies in enhancing first aid training but cautioned against relying solely on digital tools for first aid guidance.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria , A member of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ondo state chapter, Mr Taiwo harped on embracing digital technology to enhance first aid practices.
Some Residents of Akure, Akin Dada, Tomilola Ogundipe, and Lade Fagite who shared their understanding of first aid urged organizations to provide safety equipment and fully equipped first aid boxes for their workers.
World First Aid Day is observed every second Saturday in September to raise awareness on the importance of first aid and its impact on human health and the theme for this year’s commemoration is “First Aid in the Digital World’.