I studied anaesthesia to save lives in transit – Stephen

The Managing Director of Braingrace Ambulance Services Limited, Dr. Akeremale Stephen, has bagged a Diploma in Anaesthesia from the School of Anaesthetic Studies, Badagry, a programme accredited by the West African College of Surgeons.

Dr. Stephen, who is a Flight Physician and Critical Care Practitioner, said the qualification is more than an academic feat, but an investment in saving lives and strengthening emergency medical care in Nigeria.

“An airway lost is a life at risk,” he said in a statement.

As head of one of Nigeria’s leading emergency ground and air ambulance service providers, Dr. Stephen said he has witnessed first-hand how critical airway management is to patient survival during medical emergencies, trauma response, and inter-hospital transfers.

He noted that during aeromedical evacuations and medical escort missions by road and air, patients can deteriorate unexpectedly, requiring advanced airway management, emergency resuscitation, ventilatory support or endotracheal intubation.

“This ability to confidently assess, secure, manage and, when necessary, take over a patient’s airway is not merely an added skill – it is an essential lifesaving responsibility,” he said.

He explained that while many associate anaesthesia with the operating theatre, its relevance extends to intensive care, emergency medicine, trauma care, pre-hospital care and aeromededical evacuation.

“For those of us working in emergency ambulance services and air medical transport, there is no room for uncertainty when a patient’s airway becomes compromised. Whether managing a critically injured trauma victim on the roadside or stabilising a patient during a long-distance air evacuation, the ability to protect and control the airway can determine the outcome of the entire mission,” he added.

He called on medical doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to pursue specialised training in anaesthesia and critical care, stressing that Nigeria and Africa need more professionals skilled in airway management and resuscitation.

Dr. Stephen paid tribute to the late Dr. Olaniyi Oladapo, pioneering coordinator and architect of the School of Anaesthetic Studies, Badagry, for his vision in building the institution, and commended the current Coordinator, Dr. Abiola Mafe, for maintaining high academic and clinical standards.

He expressed gratitude to consultants, lecturers and clinical trainers at the school for their mentorship.

“Through Braingrace Ambulance Services Limited, my vision remains to contribute meaningfully to the development of emergency medical systems in Nigeria and across Africa, ensuring that quality pre-hospital care, critical care transport, and aeromedical evacuation services are available to those who need them most,” he said.

He said studying Anaesthesia was not simply about earning a diploma; it was about acquiring the knowledge, competence, and confidence necessary to secure the most precious gift of all – human life.”