Akwa Ibom Emergency Responders Praised After Swift Rescue Of Man Who Collapsed In Uyo
Emergency Teams Respond to Distress Call
THE Akwa Ibom State Emergency Ambulance Service has received commendation from a senior police officer following the successful rescue of a man who collapsed and suffered convulsions along Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo.
Chief Superintendent of Police Odiko Macdon, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Uyo, said he witnessed the medical emergency while returning home on Saturday evening and immediately mobilised efforts to secure assistance for the victim.
Crowd Hesitates Amid Health Misconceptions
Mr. Macdon recalled that although several people gathered around the victim, many were reluctant to render assistance because they wrongly believed epilepsy could be transmitted through contact.
Determined to help, he coordinated efforts with another passer-by, contacted the state’s emergency ambulance service and waited with the victim until professional medical responders arrived.
He described the arrival of the ambulance within about 15 minutes as reassuring, noting that the prompt intervention demonstrated the effectiveness of the state’s emergency healthcare system.
Good Samaritan Receives Recognition
The police officer singled out photographer Uko Akpan for assisting the victim despite widespread hesitation from onlookers.
He called on residents to reject myths surrounding epilepsy and other medical conditions and instead respond with empathy and responsible action whenever individuals require emergency assistance.
Health professionals emphasise that epilepsy is a neurological disorder and is not contagious. Appropriate first aid involves protecting the person from injury and contacting emergency medical services immediately.
Government Strengthens Emergency Healthcare Network
The incident highlights ongoing investments by the Akwa Ibom State Government to improve emergency medical care across the state.
Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem John recently disclosed that the Akwa Ibom Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System has handled approximately 2,500 emergencies since its inauguration in March 2025.
The commissioner said the service currently operates 31 ambulances distributed across the state’s 31 local government areas, contributing to faster emergency response times that now average between seven and 13 minutes.
He also noted that about 170,000 residents have enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, which provides access to consultations, surgeries, maternal healthcare and referral services.
Mr. Macdon urged residents to keep the emergency ambulance hotline readily available, saying timely calls to emergency responders remain critical to saving lives during medical emergencies.
