EDOHERMA Hosts Strategic Emergency Preparedness and Oxygen Use Workshop for Health Facility Heads and Staff in Edo State

 EDOHERMA Hosts Strategic Emergency Preparedness and Oxygen Use Workshop for Health Facility Heads and Staff in Edo State

The Edo Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) successfully held a strategic workshop on emergency preparedness and oxygen use for health facility heads and clinical staff across Edo State. The workshop, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City, was aimed at improving emergency response, addressing gaps in clinical care, and promoting the safe use of medical oxygen in health facilities.

In her opening address, the Chief Executive Officer of EDOHERMA, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, stated that medical emergencies are unpredictable and that the ability of health facilities to respond quickly and effectively often determines whether lives are saved or lost. 

She stressed that emergency preparedness is now a key part of quality healthcare delivery and must be taken seriously across all levels of healthcare. She also noted that findings from the field show the urgent need for action and that the workshop will help equip healthcare workers with the practical skills needed to handle critical situations.

The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, emphasized the importance of regular professional gatherings, noting that such training would help strengthen the state’s health sector. He recommended that the programme be held quarterly.

The Director of Emergency Services, EDOHERMA, Dr. Peter Erbuomwan, presented findings from a regulatory exercise carried out between May 1 and May 15, 2026, covering 46 health facilities across four local government areas. He revealed that the state’s emergency readiness level stands at 31%, with many areas requiring urgent improvement.

The Head of Accident and Emergency Unit, ISTH, Dr. Williams Akerele, described a medical emergency as any condition requiring immediate medical attention. He stressed that delayed response could lead to severe complications, disability, or death.

Consultant Anaesthesiologist, UBTH, Dr. Elamah Ikpeminoghena, spoke on proper oxygen use in healthcare facilities. He highlighted oxygen cylinders, concentrators, and central pipeline systems as major sources of medical oxygen and explained that oxygen therapy should only be used when medically necessary.

Edo State Branch Training Officer, Nigerian Red Cross, Mr. Ufuoma James, highlighted that statistical trends indicate a high frequency of emergencies occurring during peak operational hours, specifically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. He outlined the primary clinical causes that can lead to unconsciousness, noting that responders should quickly consider factors such as shock, fainting, severe head injuries, poisoning, epilepsy, and diabetic emergencies.

Mr. Ufuoma took the participants through an intensive, hands on practical session demonstrating the exact life saving first aid interventions required to stabilize a casualty before the arrival of an ambulance.

the Executive Secretary, EDOSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, emphasized the critical importance of emergency preparedness, noting that a facility's readiness to respond to crises is an essential component of quality healthcare delivery. Further solidarity was expressed by the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) (UBTH) chapter, Dr. Benson Okwara, the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Private Practitioners, Edo State chapter, Dr. Godfrey Imuetinyen and the Chairman, Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Edo State chapter, Comr Olise Francis, who pledged their associations' commitment to upholding strong professional standards and supporting EDOHERMA's enforcement efforts. Adding global weight to the event, three Emergency Medicine specialists from Missouri, USA, delivered goodwill messages via Video, praising the EDOHERMA’s proactive regulatory framework and sharing insights on international best practices. 

The high impact event was formally brought to a spiritual and successful conclusion following a closing prayer led by the Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev Frank Omobude, who invoked blessings for the fruitful implementation of the regulatory guidelines across Edo State.

Dignitaries present at the event included Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq; Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Mr. Ehigie Ekhaguere; Chairman, Nigerian Dental Association, Prof. Joan Enabulele.