The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has emphasised the need for stakeholders and the general public to be armed with the knowledge of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to minimise fatalities caused by cardiac arrest.

The advice was given during a five-kilometre health walk to observe the NBCC Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Week on Saturday in Lagos.

Dr Yomi Jaiye, a representative of Cecy Health Consult Ltd., said that every 10 minutes, someone somewhere suffered a heart attack.

Mr Jaiye quoted statistics that stated that 90 per cent of victims of heart attacks or cardiac arrest died before getting to the hospital.

This, he said, informed the need for more people to become more knowledgeable about CPR to increase the chances of survival for those individuals.

“It is important to know that a slumped-down person can be revived if quick knowledge of CPR is applied to the patient.

“What is most important is to understand the effective way of carrying out CPR.

“You start by exposing the chest, feeling the chest for the bone in the middle, placing your dominant hand there, placing your other hand on the dominant hand, interlock and starting the chest compression by pushing down.

“Normal heart beat rate is 60-90 bts per minute. Do the chest compression around the number of beats per minute while you wait for help or an automated external defibrillator and follow the prompt,” he advised.

In his remarks, Ray Atelly, the president, NBCC, stressed the need for prioritisation of health, safety, and environmental protection in all aspects of our lives.

These pillars, he said, formed the foundation of well-being, ensuring not only present prosperity but also safeguarding the future for generations to come.

Mr Atelly stated that physical, mental, and emotional well-being were invaluable assets that must be nurtured and protected.

He noted that a healthy population was the bedrock of a thriving society, enabling individuals to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

“By investing in healthcare infrastructure, promoting preventive measures, and advocating equitable access to healthcare services, we encourage our members and non-members to lead fulfilling lives and fulfil their potential.

“Health, safety, and environmental stewardship are not mere buzzwords or obligations but are fundamental responsibilities that we owe to ourselves, our organisation, our communities, and our planet.

“Without vibrant health, robust safety measures, and a sustainable environment, our endeavours, no matter how grand, are inherently compromised,” he said.

He also advocated the imperativeness of environmental conservation and sustainability for environmental viability for future generations.

Mr Atelly said that by embracing renewable energy sources, reducing emissions, conserving natural habitats, and promoting responsible consumption practices, we could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and preserve the planet’s ecological balance.

Dr Ebere Njoku, the director-general of the NBCC, tasked the business community with adopting a more holistic approach to maintain general wellness beyond trade and business.

Ms Njoku urged participants to embrace exercising to de-stress and engender more balanced mental hygiene.

“We have to become more serious about managing mental wellbeing and take advantage of opportunities like this to exercise, as it helps release certain hormones that help the heart and mind.

“Growing a business should not be at the cost of your general, emotional and physical well-being.

“While keeping an eye on your business, you must also keep an eye on your health to fully enjoy your journey to getting to the peak of your business,” she said.

(NAN)