Before the index case of Corona virus disease (COVID 19) in Lagos, a total of 342 local medical personnel were trained by the National Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the director general said on Monday. Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu.
He said the training, which focused on preparedness and response mechanisms, was delivered in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Council (PHC) in 20 local communities and 37 communal areas of the state.
Oke-Osanyintolu told The Nation that LASEMA has identified and trained five first responders in the early warning system (EWS) in the field for a defined escalation system.
“LASEMA was at the forefront of the preparation even before the index case was registered. Training was provided to paramedics and call center agents to identify symptoms with direct access to EOCs.
“The agency remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health with its resources such as ambulances and paramedical support with appropriate security protocols for the movement of suspected or confirmed cases.
“In line with best practice, agency staff work on advice and information for advocacy. These include a reminder that those with the following indications should contact the identified help lines as well as the emergency numbers:
“Fever or symptoms of respiratory illness (eg, cough or shortness of breath) in a person who has been in close contact with another person with a positive COVID-19 test result;
“Fever and symptoms of a respiratory illness severe enough to require hospitalization in a person who has traveled to a country where community transmission of COVID-19 is widespread or supported; fever and severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization with no other explanatory diagnosis (such as the flu), “he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu said that the locations of the tests have been identified and that clear channels to find the self-reported cases have been established.
“We have established a clear action plan for the recovery of self-reported cases for testing and infection control using the previously developed Ebola crisis management plan. We will update protective equipment and decontamination protocols for all of our staff. We remain on standby to support all stakeholders from partner agencies, ”said Oke-Osanyintolu.
