U.S. and Nigerian medical personnel conducted a medically-focused subject matter exchange at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS), April 22-26.
The training focused on the abilities to respond to trauma casualties and the connection between field treatment of casualties and follow on treatment once transferred to a hospital setting.

Eighty Nigerian medical personnel participated from Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital Lagos. Those that participated were glad for the opportunity to exchange information and felt that the exchange was highly beneficial.

“I am very passionate about my profession,” said Pat Orobor, chief nursing officer at Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital. “I like everything you have taught us so far. I like the practical sessions especially having to apply the tourniquet to help save a life. Helping to save a life and not allowing someone to die especially if I can do that is basically what I enjoy doing most.”

U.S. and Nigeria medical professionals have conducted periodic professional exchanges as an ongoing relationship to share best practices since the inception of APS in 2008.
Senior Nigeria medical officials praised the positive interaction.

“Teaching was very beneficial and warmly received,” said Nigerian surgeon Rear Adm. Yusuf, commanding officer of Navy Reference Hospital Lagos. “We hope for additional exchanges in the future to occur here in Lagos and at Naval Hospitals in the U.S.”.  

The four day course hosted nurses, students, medical assistants and physicians. U.S. medical exchange members shared lectures and techniques on diagnosing numerous traumatic injuries. Part of the training used examples from combat trauma cases to show how medical providers used ultrasound to quickly and easily make critical diagnosis in both field and hospital settings. 

“This exchange has opened up avenues for continued partnerships in providing top-notch trauma care,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kristie Robson from Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.  “Both Nigerian and U.S. medical providers have had to work in austere conditions to provide care to their warfighters.  This exchange is a pro-active way to draw on that experience and to share combat and civilian care lessons learned to improve treatment for trauma casualties.”

The exchange was held as part of ongoing APS engagements. APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.