Susan Abayomi
Medical experts have urged Nigerians to improve their knowledge of first aid and household safety to help prevent domestic emergencies from escalating into serious health situations.
The experts gave the advice during the 2026 Annual Health Talk organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Zion Chapel, Lagos Province 57, Oregun, Ikeja, with the theme, “Handling Domestic Emergencies in the Home.”
The programme brought together professionals in general medicine, pharmacy, paediatrics and anaesthesia, who addressed common emergencies that can occur in the home, including burns, injuries, choking, convulsions, falls, poisoning, snake and scorpion bites, vomiting, diarrhoea and allergic reactions.
Speaking on the management of burns, choking and injuries, Consultant Paediatrician at Reddington Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Dorka Bekee, said burns were among the common household injuries, particularly among children.
She explained that burns could result from hot water, cooking oil, fire, steam, electrical equipment and hot cooking utensils.
Bekee advised people to cool minor burns with clean, cool running water and warned against applying substances such as toothpaste, engine oil, raw eggs or butter to burn injuries.
She also advised against deliberately breaking blisters, stressing that serious burns, particularly those affecting the face, hands, major joints or large areas of the body, require urgent medical attention.
On cuts and bleeding, she advised people to apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or dressing to help control the bleeding, while severe or persistent bleeding should receive immediate professional medical attention.
The Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Lagos College of Medicine, Dr. Henrietta Nwamaka Igbokwe, also cautioned Nigerians against self-medication.
Igbokwe stressed the importance of seeking professional advice before taking medicines, noting that inappropriate drug use could result in additional health complications.
She recommended that households have basic health-monitoring equipment where appropriate, including blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters.
She also encouraged families to keep properly stocked first-aid kits containing essential supplies such as sterile dressings, adhesive plasters, gloves and other appropriate first-aid materials.
However, she emphasised that first aid should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical treatment when an illness or injury is serious.
Speaking on emergency response, the Chief Medical Officer of General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, Dr. Yinka Anifowoshe, advised families to treat situations such as unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulties, suspected stroke, severe allergic reactions, seizures, serious injuries and chest pain as emergencies requiring prompt medical attention.
She encouraged members of the public to learn basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) through recognised training providers.
Anifowoshe noted that while domestic emergencies could occur unexpectedly, their consequences could often be reduced through adequate preparation, awareness and appropriate action.
The annual health programme, which was initiated in 2014 by Pastor Godfrey Iluobe and his wife, Pastor Folakemi Iluobe, has continued to provide health education to members of the church and the wider community.
Speaking after the programme, Pastor Godfrey Iluobe encouraged participants to put the knowledge gained into practice, stressing the importance of prevention and responsible action in protecting lives within homes and communities.
