Stakeholders harp on effective coordination during rescue operations

Effective coordination among emergency responders has been identified as the most important step during rescue operations.

This was the submission of stakeholders at a quarterly meeting organized by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The meeting which is a platform to periodically x-ray individual and collective activities of emergency agencies in Lagos has as its theme: “Coordination: An Integral Tool in Emergency/Disaster Response.”

While welcoming stakeholders, including representatives of all agencies involved in rescue and emergency operations, such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, the State Traffic Management Authority, Vehicle Inspection Service, driver unions and community leaders, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo stated that the meeting was aimed at strengthening cooperation among responders.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Jemilade Longe, the commissioner promised that the Lagos State Government would continue to boost capacity of the different agencies involved in disaster management through the funding and provision of modern equipment.

During the interactive session, the stakeholders commended emergency agencies in the State for their quick response in putting out the tanker fire accident at the Otedola Bridge two months ago, noting that the incident was prevented from escalating because of  the manner the situation was handled by the responders.

The General Manager of LASEMA, Adeshina Tiamiyu attributed the feat to the synergy among all agencies involved in rescue operations.

He stressed the need for the agencies to pool resources during emergencies, pointing out that there was an urgent need for members of the public to familiarize themselves with emergency safety procedures in order to assist responders.

Tiamuyu, who reminded emergency responders that every incident scene was a potential crime scene, cautioned them against tampering with evidence unknowingly.

He also appealed to residents of the state to assist their neighbours and relatives in need of relief to curb the growing incidences of suicide.
The government added that if the victims got assistance either tangible or intangible, they would not commit suicide, saying that victims of suicide might have probably assistance in form of financial support, counseling and other forms of help before taking their lives.
Tiamiyu disclosed that the government had also acquired a chopper and other multi-billion Naira rescue equipment to effectively manage disasters and other emergency situations in the state.
He said said that some of the acquired equipment would be delivered in batches while some of them were already with the state emergency unit.
“There are many rescue equipment acquired. As we speak, we have taken delivery of the two new excavators which will help in demolishing shanties and clearing the canals, drainage. Also, there is a particular canal on Lagos Island that has been blocked. We are already clearing the canals with our equipment to ensure safety of life of the residents.

“Yes, the issues of the chopper, it has been acquired but there are other things that have to take place like branding, training, the route plan and all of that. That is already ongoing. I have seen the chopper myself; it was flown into government house last week. By the time we begin to operate that, it means we could reach the inner most part of Lagos and bring people out to safety,” he said.
Tiamiyu stated that equipment such as ambulances, power bikes, towing vehicles, excavators and other heavy duty equipment were acquired to further ensure safety of life and property.

He added that more emergency centres and units would soon be unveiled in some parts of the state, while calling for improved collaboration among emergency and safety stakeholders.

In their remarks, the FRSC, Lagos Sector Commander, Mr Hyginus Omeje, the General Manager LASTMA, Mr Wale Musa and the Director,  State Fire Service, Mr Musbau Rasak, who renewed their commitment to collaborate to ensure quick and effective rescue noted that LASEMA had showed exceptional leadership in coordinating emergencies  and commended the State Government for funding the agency and equipping officers with the necessary tools to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.

They, however decried the attitude of some members of the public during disasters, especially the habit of blocking access to disaster locations and the use of smart phones to record instead of helping or conducting themselves with circumspect  at such scenes.

Members of the public were encouraged to always dial the toll free 112/737 during emergencies instead of sharing unverified information on social media.

 

 

A cross section of participants at the event

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