The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service ,NCS has embarked on a comprehensive first aid training programme aimed at equipping its officers with essential life-saving skills. This initiative, according to Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, is a vital investment in enhancing workplace safety and operational preparedness.
The programme, which reflects the priority placed on staff welfare by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, is designed to empower officers with the knowledge and skills required to respond to emergencies effectively. Oshoba emphasized that first aid knowledge is a universal life skill that every adult should possess, especially those frequently exposed to high-risk operational environments.
The training programme covers a range of critical topics, including CPR, bleeding control, choking relief, and stroke recognition. Oshoba stressed that simple but timely interventions can be the difference between life and death, and that the absence of first aid capability during emergencies can lead to avoidable tragedies. He noted that customs personnel often operate in areas where medical help is not immediately available, making it essential for officers to serve as first responders.
During the training, officers participated in hands-on sessions where they learned and practiced essential first aid skills, including CPR and techniques to restore someone who is choking. The Medical Team Lead, Comptroller A.S Aku, guided the officers through the sessions, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and taking prompt action during emergencies.
The training programme is designed to build the capacity of customs officers to respond to emergencies effectively. Oshoba expressed confidence that the participants would gain valuable competencies, and that the training would enhance the command’s overall operational preparedness. He encouraged officers to take the training seriously and to apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
Newspoints247 reports that the highlights of the programme was the presentation of the Customs Medical Corps First Aid manual to the Apapa Area Command. The manual, which serves as a guide for officers, covers a range of topics, including emergency response, first aid techniques, and medical procedures.
