Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has disclosed that his bill seeking to make first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training compulsory across homes, schools, workplaces and public institutions has passed first reading in the Senate.
Speaking on the proposed legislation, Nwoko said the bill aims to strengthen emergency response capacity in Nigeria by making life-saving skills more accessible to citizens.
According to him, the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for mandatory first aid, CPR and AED training, while also introducing Good Samaritan laws to protect individuals who assist victims during emergencies.
The lawmaker explained that the proposed amendment would expand Section 17(3) of the Constitution to include provisions for emergency response training and legal protection for bystanders who render assistance in critical situations.
Nwoko noted that many deaths resulting from sudden cardiac arrest occur because victims do not receive immediate help before medical personnel arrive.
He added that many people are often unwilling to intervene during emergencies due to inadequate knowledge of first aid procedures and fear of possible legal consequences.
According to the senator, structured training programmes in CPR, AED usage and first aid, delivered by certified instructors, would improve survival rates during medical emergencies and increase the chances of saving lives before professional help arrives.
He further stated that the inclusion of Good Samaritan protections would encourage more citizens to assist people in distress without fear of prosecution, thereby strengthening emergency response efforts and improving public health outcomes across the country.