I was reading this recent story in the Punch Newspaper.Apparently, there were 10 deaths at the Robert Kelly Concert in Abuja.
We believe that many of the thousands of deaths that take place at events in Nigeria are completely preventable if more care is taken at the planning stages. This point was also made by the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe in the Punch article.
Looking at the health and safety risks of any event is an exceptionally important part of event planning. Failure to do often results in the sort of tragedy described in this article. Fifteen young, fit, educated music fans died at a concert in Abuja, because a group of organisers failed to adequately assess and equip the venue adequately.
The Flying Doctors as well as 2 or 3 other companies offer both risk assessment consultancy and stand-by ambulance coverage for events. However, the Flying Doctors Nigeria is the only company that specialises in using doctor-led land AND air ambulance cover for events like this. In November, we were asked by the Federal Government to cover the presidential 'Declaration of Intent' ceremony which was an honour and a privilege.
For anybody planing a large concert/church programme/political rally or sporting event. Make getting EXPERT consultants on your health & safety risk and obtaining adequate medical coverage a priority,so we can avoid anything like this happening again!
Funmi, Year 1 intern @Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd(Medical Student)
