Emergency Response Praised for Timely Intervention
Muhammad Almayau, a resident of Badagry, Lagos, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the state’s emergency responders for their swift action in saving his seven-month-old daughter. His remarks came after a harrowing experience when his child fell critically ill one stormy night.
Challenges Faced During a Medical Emergency
Almayau shared his story with reporters on Monday, detailing how his daughter developed a high fever in the middle of a heavy downpour. With no vehicle available for transportation, his family felt an overwhelming sense of panic. In an attempt to alleviate her fever, they resorted to gently wiping her down with wet towels while waiting for the rain to ease.
Effective Communication with Emergency Services
In a moment of desperation, Almayau called 112, Lagos State’s emergency toll-free number, at approximately 4:07 a.m. The paramedics, upon hearing the baby’s cries in the background, quickly asked for his address and nearby landmarks to expedite assistance.
Swift Ambulance Response
Just twenty minutes later, Almayau received a call from the Lagos Emergency Response Call Center, confirming that an ambulance was en route. The dark conditions posed a challenge, so the responders discussed the best route for their arrival.
Transportation Hurdles and Hospital Procedures
As the rain subsided by 5:07 a.m., the family received another call indicating that an ambulance was waiting at a nearby checkpoint. They quickly mobilized on their motorbikes to the designated location. After assessing the baby’s condition, the medical team recommended transferring her to Badagry General Hospital, since the nearest primary health center in Irepo lacked 24-hour services.
Cost of Care and Comments on Public Health Services
Almayau noted that the ambulance could not reach his home due to poor road conditions exacerbated by the heavy rains. Remarkably, the ambulance had traveled approximately 24 kilometers from Badagry General Hospital to manage the emergency. Upon arrival, the baby was treated without delay, with Almayau covering a modest amount for hospital services: a new patient file fee of N2,000, N8,000 for laboratory tests, and about N4,000 for prescribed medications. He mentioned that under the Lagos State Health Insurance, the total cost would have been significantly reduced to just N1,400.
Appeals for Infrastructure Improvements
Almayau expressed satisfaction with the quality of care and cleanliness at Badagry General Hospital, commending the dedication of the medical staff. Nevertheless, he urged the Lagos State government to prioritize repairs to local roads, increase the number of doctors at the hospital, upgrade the Irepo Primary Health Center to a 24-hour facility, and enhance the community’s power supply. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for a unified electronic medical records system across government hospitals.
Infrastructure Development in Badagry
While commending the ongoing infrastructure projects in Badagry, including road rehabilitations and enhancements around the general hospital, Almayau stressed that improved access routes could significantly bolster emergency response efforts and ultimately save lives.
