The first five minutes: Why every Ghanaian should know basic life support- Lessons from recent tragedies

Basic Life Support (BLS), which includes recognizing cardiac arrest, calling for help, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), remains unfamiliar to most Ghanaians.

Automated External Defibrillators are commonly found in airports, shopping malls, train stations, sports arenas, and other public places, allowing bystanders to intervene before emergency medical services arrive.

The author, Dr Zelda Boatemaa Boateng, is a Medical Doctor at Adiebeba Specialist Hospital in Kumasi with clinical experience in acute and chronic care, and a strong interest in public health advocacy.