State deploys water ambulances and helicopter services to improve emergency response times across Nigeria’s largest city.
Lagos, Nigeria – Lagos State Government announced the deployment of 10 motorcycle ambulances and expanded water ambulance services to improve emergency medical response across the state. The government will also engage private helicopter services for critical air medical evacuations.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, revealed the expansion during a public event highlighting LASAMBUS operations on Sunday.
Fleet Targets Traffic and Remote Areas
The Lagos ambulance service expansion addresses response challenges in Nigeria’s most populous state, home to over 20 million residents.
Motorcycle ambulances will navigate through traffic congestion where traditional ambulances cannot pass. Water ambulances will serve riverine communities in Epe, Badagry, and Ikorodu areas.
“Emergency medical response is more than just transportation; it’s about stabilizing lives en route to definitive care,” Ogboye said.
Private helicopter services will handle critical cases requiring immediate specialized care, potentially reducing response times from hours to minutes.
Residents Credit Service with Saving Lives
Lagos residents shared testimonials about LASAMBUS effectiveness during the announcement.
Adebayo Akinola described how the service rescued his uncle after an accident in Oshodi. “Their quick arrival was the difference between life and death. We didn’t pay a kobo, yet we got professional service,” he said.
Omotayo Adeyinka, Director in Education District I, recounted how LASAMBUS stabilized a boy who went into a coma after being hit by her vehicle, refusing payment for services.
Operational Challenges Persist
Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, LASAMBUS Director, acknowledged ongoing obstacles including poor road networks, unclear caller directions, and unhelpful crowds at emergency scenes.
“Every minute counts in emergency care. That’s why we need every Lagosian to understand that they have a role to play,” Makinde said.
New motorcycle units will carry GPS devices and direct hospital communication links to improve response coordination.
Public Cooperation Essential
State officials emphasized the need for public cooperation with emergency response teams.
“Ambulance teams are not adversaries; they are your allies. When you see an ambulance, give way, whether it is empty or not,” Ogboye said.
The state is developing a mobile application to automatically share caller locations with dispatch centers, addressing frequent delays caused by inaccurate location information.
Lagos State operates LASAMBUS as a free emergency medical service across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
By Abdullah Korede
