Lagos creates emergency protocols to reduce disaster deaths

To reduce deaths resulting from emergencies, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has partnered with the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to develop and implement emergency preparedness and response protocols for healthcare facilities across the state.

Delivering the welcome address at the launch of the emergency victim management protocol on Thursday, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, noted that despite paramedics’ efforts to save lives during emergencies, these efforts are sometimes hindered by delays in locating available hospital bed spaces or difficulties in providing timely, definitive care.

He said, “Our world is facing an increase in both natural and man-made disasters, from pandemics to extreme weather events, and these crises demand swift and effective healthcare responses. In view of this, the global focus has shifted from emergency/disaster management to disaster risk reduction, emphasizing preparedness overreaction, while state responsibilities must expand to include identifying new forms of disasters and mitigating them through active collaboration across society and engagement with all state institutions.

“Although it is recognized that several factors contribute to the timely care of an emergency victim, the role of the hospital or clinic to which the victim is transferred cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, governments and health agencies must work together to mitigate disaster risks with an approach that not only emphasizes ‘Preparedness’ but also involves every level of society, especially healthcare monitoring institutions, to establish protocols ensuring prompt and efficient emergency responses at healthcare facilities.

“In line with these trends, LASEMA, in collaboration with HEFAMAA, is proposing to work with public and private healthcare providers in Lagos State to develop and implement emergency preparedness and response guidelines/protocols to achieve prompt hospital care for emergency victims in the state.”

Oke-Osanyintolu further stated that improving emergency response protocols in healthcare is not merely a logistical challenge but a moral imperative.

“With climate change and global health threats increasing the frequency and scale of emergencies, our healthcare facilities must be prepared, resilient, and responsive. Let us work together to implement these protocols, protect our communities, and ensure that our healthcare facilities stand ready to serve in times of need.”