The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a nationwide programme aimed at training 10,000 healthcare professionals in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

The initiative is designed to equip medical personnel with critical life-saving skills to effectively manage emergencies related to airway obstruction, pulmonary complications, and cardiac issues.

During the official launch held in Port Harcourt, Dr. Mekele Igwe, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Professor Chizindu Alikor, stressed the importance of the initiative. “Whether you're a doctor or not, you can save lives — that’s the significance of this training,” she said, encouraging participants to fully engage, share experiences, and develop the skills necessary to improve patient outcomes.

NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope, highlighted the urgent need for such training in light of the rising incidence of sudden deaths. He referenced a recent case where a doctor collapsed and died after watching a football match, stressing that quick and knowledgeable intervention could make the difference between life and death.

“We’ve seen an increase in sudden deaths linked to airway blockages, lung complications, and heart conditions,” Dr. Osundara stated. “Unfortunately, many people do not know the appropriate steps to take during such emergencies.”

The training programme emphasizes advanced cardiac life support techniques, including the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and aims to build emergency response capacity among doctors and other healthcare workers.

Dr. Osundara noted that the programme is inclusive, targeting not only doctors but also nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals. “Our goal is to educate and re-educate healthcare workers and the general public. In a crisis, anyone with the right training can save a life.”

He further explained that the training would improve emergency response time, boost confidence and competency levels, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. He also called on hospital management teams to support the initiative and extend the training to all relevant staff.

“We must embrace this training. It’s vital for the medical community. With the right knowledge, we become more competent and responsive, and that can save lives,” he added.

Dr. Osundara also revealed that the training has already commenced in several healthcare institutions across the country, including FMC Azare, ATBUTH Bauchi, UUTH Uyo, MAUTH Yola, and RSUTH Port Harcourt.

In his remarks, Professor Henry Ugboma, Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), represented by the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Dantonye Alasia, commended NARD for the initiative. He underscored the need for widespread media coverage and praised the association for its commitment to healthcare advancement in Nigeria.

“Human capacity development in healthcare is critical,” said Prof. Alasia. “This programme aligns with national health objectives by equipping professionals with life-saving competencies.”

Professor Chizindu Alikor, who also serves as the CMD of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), expressed appreciation for NARD’s efforts and pledged to ensure more hospital staff undergo BLS and ACLS training. He emphasized that such capacity building enhances the preparedness and confidence of medical personnel during critical situations.