Lagos Lifeline: LASAMBUS saves thousands with free Emergency Care

The Lagos State Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to enhance pre-hospital emergency care through its Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), urging residents to support life-saving operations by reducing obstacles like traffic delays and vandalism.

At a compelling media event titled “LASAMBUS: Highlighting Impact, Improving and Sustaining Response,” held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, showcased LASAMBUS as a cornerstone of Lagos’ emergency response system.

The event brought together beneficiaries, journalists, and officials to share powerful testimonies and outline innovative plans to strengthen emergency care.

A Legacy of Lifesaving Care

In his presentation, “Lagos State Pre-Hospital Emergency Care: The LASAMBUS Case Study – Past, Present, and Future,” Ogboye highlighted LASAMBUS’ evolution since its inception in 2001 with four Peugeot wagons under then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Today, LASAMBUS operates four bases, deploys 36 ambulances daily, employs over 190 trained personnel, and offers specialized services like mobile ICU units and water ambulances for riverine areas.

Ogboye shared impressive metrics: in 2024, LASAMBUS handled over 8,900 emergency calls, with nearly 3,000 cases in 2025 so far.

“Our transit mortality rate is remarkably low—often just one case per year—reflecting the skill and dedication of our team,” he noted.

Innovative Solutions for Faster Response

To tackle challenges like traffic congestion, vague location reporting, and crowd interference, he said LASAMBUS is rolling out transformative initiatives.

He added that motorcycle ambulances, designed to navigate traffic swiftly, would be introduced alongside a first responder volunteer scheme to engage communities.

“Enhanced water ambulances will improve access for riverine areas, and discussions with private helicopter providers are underway for potential air ambulance support in critical cases. Investments in digital communication, tracking systems, and modular ambulance deployment points aim to streamline operations across Lagos’ diverse terrain,” he said.

Public Cooperation Critical to Success

Ogboye called for greater public cooperation, emphasizing, “When you see an ambulance, give way—whether it’s empty or not. Stop vandalizing our vehicles; they’re built to save lives.”

He noted that 60 percent of 2024 emergencies involved trauma, such as road accidents and falls, 25 percent were medical emergencies like seizures and cardiac issues, and 15 percent were obstetric or public health cases.

Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, LASAMBUS Director, highlighted operational hurdles, including unclear directions from callers and crowd interference.

“Every minute counts in emergencies. Public courtesy and clear communication can make the difference between life and death,” she urged.

Heartfelt Testimonies from Survivors

The event’s emotional peak came from beneficiaries sharing their stories.

Adebayo Akinola credited LASAMBUS for saving his uncle after an Oshodi accident, praising the free, world-class service.

Omotayo Oluwakemi Adeyinka, a school director, recounted how LASAMBUS stabilized a boy hit by her car on Agege Bridge, refusing payment despite her offer.

Akintayo Moshood painted a LASAMBUS ambulance wall in Agege as a thank-you for their dignified care after he fainted from a fall.

Sulaimon Kabir Olanrewaju was rescued within five minutes at 2 a.m. when struggling to breathe, calling LASAMBUS a lifeline.

Morufu Muriana Ademola, a spare parts dealer from Ibadan, survived a gruesome accident thanks to LASAMBUS’ timely intervention.

A Vision for a Safer Lagos

Ogboye credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s support for enabling LASAMBUS’ growth.

“The Governor’s vision for a safer Lagos drives our work. With his backing, we’re committed to ensuring every distressed Lagosian receives timely care,” he affirmed.