In a bid to enhance emergency preparedness among young people, the Rotaract Club of Abuja Federal Alpha, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, the Interact Club of Abuja Federal, and Silvercross Hospital, has successfully trained over 1,000 students at Stella Maris College on first aid techniques for choking incidents.
The training event, held at Stella Maris College in Life Camp, Abuja, was inspired by a tragic incident earlier this year.
President of the Rotaract Club Abuja Federal Alpha, Christiana Osuji, shared her motivation for the course, stating, “In April 2024, a four-year-old boy tragically choked on meat while at school. This incident struck a chord with me.
“I realised that if the teachers had been properly trained in choking response, perhaps that life could have been saved. We decided it was essential to equip students and teachers with the necessary skills to respond in such emergencies.”
During the training, attendees learned essential procedures for assisting individuals experiencing choking, empowering them with vital life-saving skills.
In addition to providing hands-on demonstrations, the Rotaract team distributed educational stickers to be placed in high-traffic areas of the school, serving as constant reminders of the steps to take during choking emergencies.
Osuji emphasised the importance of continuing these educational efforts, saying, “This is just the beginning. We plan to expand our training to other branches of Stella Maris College and eventually reach public schools in Abuja. It is crucial that we arm our youth with the knowledge and confidence to act during emergencies.”
The medical aspect of the training was led by Dr. Patrick Ezie, Medical Director of Silver Cross Hospital, highlighting the severe consequences of choking and the importance of immediate action.
“Many preventable deaths occur because of choking, often due to a lack of knowledge and urgency in intervention.
“We took the students through the choking routine and demonstrated vital maneuvers, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), so they will be well-prepared to respond if needed.
“Although they may seem young, these students often find themselves in situations where an adult may not be present to help. Early intervention can be life-saving, and in many cases of choking, the individual affected might be someone within their age group,” he said.
The success of the initiative showcases the commitment of the Rotaract and Rotary clubs to community health and education, reaffirming their role in fostering empowered and responsible youth capable of making a difference.
As these young students gain critical life skills, the hope is to create a safer environment where such tragic incidents can be effectively managed or even avoided altogether.
