A recent study at Winneba Municipal Hospital revealed that 96.2% of clinical staff lacked valid or recent Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. This finding indicates a critical national shortfall in essential emergency response skills among healthcare professionals. Only 3.9% of those surveyed met the national certification requirement for BLS, a fundamental set of procedures for saving lives during medical emergencies.
This significant deficit in BLS training directly affects Ghana's ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies, particularly sudden cardiac arrest. Most Ghanaians are unfamiliar with BLS techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Many have never encountered an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device designed to restore normal heart rhythm. This lack of knowledge and equipment means crucial first minutes after a cardiac event are often lost, significantly reducing survival chances.
The issue fits into a broader challenge within Ghana's public healthcare infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Public discussions following the death of Charles Amissah and the sudden death of Sara Araba Tetteh, Esq, both reportedly due to cardiac arrest, have highlighted these systemic weaknesses. These incidents underscore the devastating impact of delayed or inadequate emergency care on families and communities. The absence of widespread BLS knowledge and AEDs in public spaces is a stark contrast to many other countries where such training and equipment are routine.
Dr. Zelda Boatemaa Boateng, a Medical Doctor at Adiebeba Specialist Hospital in Kumasi, emphasized the urgency of the situation. Dr. Boateng, with clinical experience in acute and chronic care, advocates for proactive public health measures. She states, "When the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, brain injury begins within minutes." She added, "Every minute that passes without CPR, the chances of survival decline significantly." The medical community stresses that emergency care truly begins before a patient reaches the hospital, with the immediate actions of bystanders.
To address this critical gap, widespread initiatives are necessary. Decision-makers must integrate BLS training into secondary school and university curricula across Ghana. Workplaces should implement routine BLS training for all staff. Public service personnel, including police officers, firefighters, commercial drivers, teachers, and security personal, require regular certification. Furthermore, public institutions and high-traffic locations such as airports and shopping malls should equip themselves with AEDs. These facilities must also train personnel on how to properly use them. Public awareness campaigns will also empower citizens to act confidently in emergencies. Strengthening Ghana's capacity to respond before patients reach the hospital is paramount. This commitment from government, institutions, healthcare professionals, and the public can significantly improve survival rates for cardiac emergencies.