Liberia has be worn down by relentless waves of events leading to lost of lives, significant injuries and morbidities. Whether it is at political rallies with over-zealous partisans, or with passengers in commercial vehicles on the highways, or citizens involved political or social disputes, videos emiting from these envents have left many citizens crying, felling sad and ashamed, helpless, depressed, and angry, all at once. For the most recent in Bong County, we extend our hearts and prayers to the bereaved families. We also pray for grace for our health care workers in providing the necessary cares to those still receiving treatments at various hospitals.
By: Dr. Armah Toko Wilson, Contrubiting writer
Admittedly, many of these deaths and injuries would have been prevented if the government and citizens were serious about putting in safety measures and raising and or adressing concerns were necessary. For examples, many of the video clubs and entertainment centers, in and around Monrovia and beyond lack safety measures. Some centers only have entrance with no exit. Week in, week out we see young men and women flooding these places to watch European football games. If this situation is not adressed in time, we risk another national tragedy.
This article is intended to educate, and accelarate the ethos of safety and provide tricks and tips in handling near-death events, and saving many lives as possible in adrenaline-filled situation with lightening-fast response in the most effective and efficient manner.
Trauma remains the most common cause of death for all individuals between the ages of 1 and 44 years and is the third most common cause of death regardless of age (Schwartz, 2011). In Liberia, the number is even worse and scaring. Nearly every event lead to loss of lives, church crusades, beach parties, political gatherings, campus rallies, and so on. Lives are perishing with jet-like speed. It appears that authorities have no safety measures in place to stop the chain-reaction of deaths and significant injuries.
Analysis Parlysis is defined as the feeling of being unable to make a decision or help the situation due to overthinking a problem. It is usually seen in emergencies situations were out lookers cannot figure out what exactly to do in helping to better the situation. This phenomenon can be better understood in the following scenarios: George Floyd, USA 2020, Diamond and Sando, two Liberians ladies believed to be in the USA, July, 2023, and most recent real-time video from Totota Bong County. The videos in these events are helpful for forensic studies, but not in saving the lives of the victims.
In contrast, I am providing tips and tricks in helping to save many lives as possible if one finds himself on the scene of any medical emergencies:
- Immediately you see an accident, including a house on fire, someone drowning, call for help (call a neighbor, a passerby, police, radio station,etc), the sooner, the better.
- Filming video or taking pictures should not be your first priority, instead, dedicate responsibility to people around you. For example, one person can be calling the ambulance or police, another person can be providing first aids care to the victims, while another person try to find car or tricycle to transport the victims to the nearest hospitals or healthcare center.
- Remember your ABCs (Advanced Trauma Life Support Recommendation) you learned in school in helping the victims while waiting for emergency responders:
- A: Protect the airway of the patient while waiting for emergency responders. Open the mouth, and and take away anything that is obstructing the patient airway, while protecting the neck (cervical spine).
- B: Make sure the patient is breathing…keep calling for help. Don’t stop!
- C: Circulation
- D: Disability
- E: Exposure
For circulation, disability and exposure, first aid and emergency responders will understand and take it from where you stop.
In events of mass casualties, the first five to ten minutes are very essential in saving lives. That process depends on you and me- the out lookers. If we stand and keep taking pictures and videos instead of helping those victims, we will watch our brothers and sisters perish. Who knows, next victim could be your relative? Caring for someone is like caring for yourself.
Be a good Samaritan, be your brother’s keeper!
About the author:
Dr. Armah Toko Wilson, is a resident in Surgery at the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS), Bongolo Mission Hospital, Gabon. He is concomitantly pursuing his Fellowship Program in General Surgery, with the College of Surgeons, East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA).
He is a scholar, researcher and a member by examination of the College of Surgeons, East, Central and Southern Africa, and holds a Certificate (Primary) from the West African College of Surgeons (WACS).
He obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology from University of Liberia, and a medical degree from Nanchang University, P,R. China respectively with honors.
Dr. Wilson is fluent in three international languages- Chinese, English and French.
Email: [email protected]
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
