On Friday, the Abia government commenced an awareness campaign to enlighten residents about the Abia Emergency Tripod System and the essence of emergency services in saving lives and property.

Speaking to journalists after a road show in Umuahia, Chukwunenye Alajemba, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, said that the campaign was initiated to inform residents about ways to access the services.

Mr Alajemba said, “The emergency services provided by the government comprises the Security System, Medical Emergency and the Fire Service and is referred to as the Abia State Emergency Tripod System.”

The governor’s aide said the emergency system was initiated as part of the government’s efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare in the state.

He explained that government investments should be safeguarded to ensure they yield maximum benefits for the citizens and contribute to sustainable development.

According to him, establishing the system would serve as a veritable tool for safeguarding the investments.

Mr Alajemba expressed the commitment of the emergency responders to responding to emergencies within seven to ten minutes, with a specific focus on critical medical emergencies that require a response within four minutes.

He said that quick response remained vital because, in cases of asphyxiation, a lack of oxygen for just four minutes can result in brain death, making resuscitation nearly impossible.

He said that highly trained and certified paramedics had been engaged in the operation of the emergency system.

Mr Alajemba also said plans were underway to train homeland security personnel and fire service teams to enhance their emergency response capabilities to boost the system.

Mr Alajemba said that patrol vans would be sent out to the rural communities in response to emergency calls while serious efforts were underway to secure more ambulances for increased coverage.

He called on well-meaning individuals to support the efforts made by the government to establish an efficient emergency medical system in Abia.

(NAN)