The Lagos State Government has expressed concern over growing threats to emergency medical services, warning that impersonation, vandalism, and obstruction of ambulance teams are endangering lives.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, issued the warning during a performance review of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) on Thursday.
“Every second counts in an emergency. Obstructions can cost lives,” Ogunyemi said in a statement released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Health.
The government highlighted attacks on emergency personnel, uncooperative motorists, and fraudulent individuals posing as LASAMBUS workers as growing concerns. Ogunyemi described these acts as criminal and life-threatening, calling on residents to report emergencies only via the official helplines—767 and 112.
She also decried the vandalism of ambulances and assaults on paramedics, stating that such behavior not only endangers first responders but also puts patients at further risk.
Despite these challenges, LASAMBUS recorded a 97.5% emergency response rate between 2021 and 2025, responding to 44,152 out of 45,277 calls. The service treated over 36,900 patients, including 11,200 in 2023 alone.
A major highlight was the 100% survival rate of patients transported in 2025, compared to 60% in 2021. Ogunyemi credited this to improved triage, rapid stabilization, and professionalism of medical teams. The service also recorded zero in-transit deaths in both 2022 and 2025.
With four major hubs and 26 ambulance points, LASAMBUS conducted 931 field operations over four years, including 350 missions in 2024.
Calling LASAMBUS workers “unsung heroes,” Ogunyemi appealed to the public for greater cooperation and support:
“Together, let’s build a safer Lagos, one emergency response at a time.”
