Stakeholders urge emergency response agencies on partnership to save accident victims

Stakeholders in accident, disaster, and emergency management have called for stronger collaborations and synergies among emergency response agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to “enhance quick and coordinated responses to all emergencies.”

They made the call at this year’s Summit, with the theme: “Strengthening Multi-Agency Collaboration for Effective Emergency Response and Road Safety in the FCT” organised by the Hospital Emergency Response Foundation (HERF) in Utako, Abuja.

Blueprint reports that the Summit brought together key players in disaster management, risk mitigation, and emergency response agencies to brainstorm on strategies for an effective emergency response system in order to save lives.

Speaking, the president, Risk Managers Society of Nigeria, Dr. Abbas Idris Garba, said “only an effective and strong collaboration among Emergency Response Agencies in Nigeria can reduce the deaths associated with road crashes and other emergencies.”

According to him, “There is a need for all emergency response agencies to be prepared to respond promptly in accident situations to minimise casualties and save valuable lives.”

He noted that this year’s Summit was aimed at “building synergy and developing strategy among emergency response agencies with the hope that roles and responsibilities are clearly articulated.”

Garba commended HERF for organising the event, which, he said, was crucial for all emergency respondents in the FCT.

Also speaking, the programme manager, FCT Medical Service and Ambulance System, Dr. Ozy Okonokhua, said strengthening synergies among all emergency respondents in the FCT would reduce the time it “takes before victims arrive at the hospital.”

“We must be committed to what we do. All experts in the various organisations must bring their knowledge and experiences together to manage accidents and ensure that victims survive,” he said.

In his remarks, the chairman of the HERF Governing Board, Rev. Fr. Sabastine Sani, said the organisation was formed “basically to bridge the gap in emergency response situations, foster collaboration, and professionalism to ensure that no life is lost because help did not arrive.”

Fr. Sani urged participants to adopt a practical approach that would ensure that lives were saved in any emergency in the FCT.

Participants at the Summit included representatives from NEMA; FEMA; FRSC; Nigeria Police Force; Federal Fire Service; NSCDC; the Red Cross Society, and health practitioners.