I studied anesthesia to save lives in transit – Stephen

The Chief Executive Officer of Brainrace Ambulance Services Limited, Dr Akeremale Stephen, holds a diploma in anesthesia from the School of Anesthesia Studies, Badagry, a program accredited by the West African College of Surgeons.

Dr Stephen, a flight doctor and critical care operator, said the qualification is more than an academic feat, but an investment in saving lives and strengthening emergency medical care in Nigeria.

“A lost airway is a life at risk,” he said in a statement.

As the head of one of Nigeria’s leading emergency land and air ambulance service providers, Dr Stephen said he has witnessed first-hand how critical airway management is to patient survival during medical emergencies, trauma response and inter-hospital transfers.

He noted that during aeromedical evacuations and road and air medical escort missions, patients may unexpectedly deteriorate, requiring advanced airway management, emergency resuscitation, ventilatory support or endotracheal intubation.

“This ability to safely assess, protect, manage and, when necessary, control a patient’s airway is not simply an additional skill – it is an essential life-saving responsibility,” he said.

He explained that while many associate anesthesia with the operating room, its relevance extends to intensive care, emergency medicine, trauma care, pre-hospital care and aeromedical evacuation.

“For those of us who work in emergency ambulance services and air medical transport, there is no room for uncertainty when a patient’s airway is compromised. Whether managing a critically injured trauma victim on the side of the road or stabilizing a patient during a long-distance air evacuation, the ability to secure and control the airway can determine the outcome of the entire mission,” he added.

He called on doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to pursue specialized training in anesthesia and critical care, stressing that Nigeria and Africa need more trained professionals in airway management and resuscitation.

Dr Stephen paid tribute to the late Dr Olaniyi Oladapo, the pioneering coordinator and architect of the Badagry School of Anesthetic Studies, for his vision in building the institution, and commended the current coordinator, Dr Abiola Mafe, for maintaining high academic and clinical standards.

He expressed gratitude to the school’s counselors, faculty and clinical trainers for their mentorship.

“Through Brainrace Ambulance Services Limited, my vision remains to significantly contribute to the development of emergency medical systems in Nigeria and across Africa, ensuring that quality pre-hospital care, critical care transport and aeromedical evacuation services are available to those who need them most,” he said.

He said studying anesthesia wasn’t just about getting a diploma; it was about acquiring the knowledge, skill and confidence needed to secure the most precious gift of all: human life.”