In a medical emergency, every minute counts. Knowing what to do, who to call, and where to go can be the difference between life and death. Lagos, with its population of over 20 million people and notoriously heavy traffic, presents unique challenges for emergency medical response. This guide provides practical information that every Lagos resident should know about accessing emergency care in the city.
The State of Emergency Care in Lagos
Lagos has made significant strides in emergency medical services over the past decade, but challenges remain. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) have expanded coverage, and several private ambulance services now operate alongside them. However, the sheer size of the city, combined with traffic congestion and limited ambulance availability, means that response times can vary widely.
Key Challenges
- Traffic congestion can delay ambulance arrival by 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day and route
- Limited ambulance fleet relative to the population means not all calls can be serviced immediately
- Inconsistent knowledge among the public about emergency numbers and procedures
- Variable quality of emergency departments across hospitals in the city
- Cost concerns that cause some patients or families to delay seeking emergency care
Despite these challenges, emergency services in Lagos are improving. Private hospitals with dedicated emergency departments, telemedicine for urgent non-emergency guidance, and growing public awareness are all contributing to better outcomes.
What Counts as a Medical Emergency?
Not every health concern is an emergency, but when it is, you need to act quickly. A medical emergency is any situation where a delay in treatment could result in death, permanent disability, or severe deterioration of health. Common medical emergencies include:
- Chest pain or suspected heart attack -- pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest, often radiating to the arm, jaw, or back
- Stroke symptoms -- sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty speaking, severe headache, or vision problems
- Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that is sudden and severe
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) -- swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat
- Seizures lasting more than five minutes or occurring for the first time
- Severe burns covering a large area of the body
- Major trauma from accidents, falls, or violence
- Severe abdominal pain that is sudden and intense
- Poisoning or overdose
- Complications of pregnancy including heavy bleeding, severe pain, or reduced foetal movement
When to Use Telemedicine Instead
For urgent but non-life-threatening situations, a telemedicine consultation can provide immediate guidance and potentially save you an unnecessary emergency room visit. Conditions that may be safely assessed via telemedicine include:
- Moderate fever that responds to paracetamol
- Mild allergic reactions (localised rash or hives without breathing difficulty)
- Mild to moderate pain that is not caused by trauma
- Urinary tract symptoms
- Anxiety or panic attack symptoms
- Non-severe vomiting or diarrhoea
You can book an urgent consultation on Lonia to speak with a doctor quickly and determine whether you need to go to a hospital.
What to Do in a Medical Emergency
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess
Take a moment to assess the situation. Is the person breathing? Are they conscious? Is there severe bleeding? Your assessment will help you communicate effectively with emergency services.
Step 2: Call for Help
Dial one of the emergency numbers listed below. Clearly state your location (use landmarks if you do not know the exact address), the nature of the emergency, the number of people affected, and any first aid you have already provided.
Step 3: Provide Basic First Aid
While waiting for help to arrive:
- For bleeding: Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth. Do not remove it; add more layers if blood soaks through.
- For suspected heart attack: Have the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position. If they are conscious and not allergic, give them an aspirin to chew slowly.
- For choking: Perform the Heimlich manoeuvre (abdominal thrusts) for conscious adults. For infants, use back blows and chest thrusts.
- For seizures: Clear the area of hard or sharp objects. Do not put anything in the person's mouth. Turn them on their side after the seizure stops.
- For burns: Cool the burn with running water for at least 20 minutes. Do not apply ice, butter, or toothpaste.
- For unconscious but breathing: Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) to keep the airway clear.
Step 4: Get to a Hospital
If an ambulance is not available or will take too long, consider transporting the patient yourself or using a ride-hailing service. Call the hospital's emergency line ahead of your arrival so they can prepare.
Emergency Numbers in Lagos
Keep these numbers saved in your phone. In an emergency, you should not have to search for them:
| Service | Number | |---------|--------| | LASEMA (Lagos State Emergency Management Agency) | 112 or 767 | | LASAMBUS (Lagos State Ambulance Service) | 767 | | Federal Fire Service | 112 | | Nigeria Police Emergency | 112 or 199 | | National Emergency Number | 112 | | Lonia Hospital | See contact page |
Important: The 112 emergency number is Nigeria's universal emergency line and connects to the nearest emergency coordination centre. It is toll-free and works from any phone.
Ambulance Services in Lagos
Government Ambulance Services
LASAMBUS operates a fleet of ambulances across Lagos. They respond to emergencies reported through the 767 hotline or via LASEMA's coordination centre. The service is free for emergency transport, though response times vary depending on location and traffic.
LASEMA coordinates the overall emergency response in Lagos, including deploying ambulances, fire trucks, and rescue teams. They operate the Emergency Response Centre that handles 112 calls.
Private Ambulance Services
Several private companies provide ambulance services in Lagos, often with faster response times due to strategically positioned vehicles. These services typically charge fees that vary based on distance and the level of medical support required. Some offer subscription plans for families and businesses.
When choosing a private ambulance service, look for:
- Equipped vehicles with oxygen, defibrillators, and basic life support equipment
- Trained paramedics or emergency medical technicians on board
- GPS tracking so you can monitor the ambulance's arrival
- 24/7 availability with a responsive dispatch centre
Tips for the Emergency Room
If you are taking someone to the emergency room, or going yourself, these tips can help ensure faster and better care:
Before You Arrive
- Call ahead if possible. Let the hospital know you are coming and describe the emergency so they can prepare.
- Bring identification for the patient (national ID, driver's licence, or any government-issued ID).
- Bring a list of medications the patient currently takes, including dosages.
- Know the patient's allergies, especially drug allergies, and communicate them immediately to the medical team.
- Have a means of payment ready. While hospitals are legally required to stabilise emergency patients before discussing payment, having your details ready avoids delays in ongoing treatment.
At the Hospital
- Communicate clearly and calmly with the triage nurse. Describe symptoms, when they started, and any changes since onset.
- Be honest about what happened, including if the patient took any substances or medications before arrival.
- Ask questions. You have the right to understand what tests are being done and what treatment is being given.
- Designate one family spokesperson to communicate with the medical team. Multiple people asking different questions can slow down the process.
How Lonia Hospital Supports Emergency Care
Lonia Hospital provides comprehensive emergency services with a focus on rapid response and quality care. Our emergency department is staffed around the clock with experienced doctors and nurses trained in emergency medicine.
What We Offer
- 24/7 emergency department with triage-based prioritisation
- On-site diagnostics including laboratory tests and imaging for rapid assessment
- Specialist referral network for cases requiring surgical or subspecialty care
- Ambulance coordination to help patients reach us safely
When You Cannot Get to a Hospital
For situations where you need medical guidance but cannot immediately reach a hospital, Lonia's telemedicine service provides access to doctors who can assess your symptoms, advise on first aid, and help you determine whether emergency room care is necessary. While telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency treatment, it can be invaluable for making informed decisions in urgent situations.
You can also request home medical services for situations where a healthcare professional can come to you, such as wound care, injections, post-surgical nursing, or vital signs monitoring.
Building Your Emergency Preparedness
Beyond knowing the numbers and hospital locations, every Lagos household should have:
- A basic first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic, paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, thermometer, and scissors
- A list of emergency contacts posted in a visible location at home
- Knowledge of the nearest hospital with a functional emergency department
- Basic first aid training for at least one household member. Several organisations in Lagos offer affordable courses.
- The Lonia app installed on your phone for quick access to telemedicine consultations when you need medical advice urgently
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in Lagos?
The primary emergency number is 112, which is Nigeria's universal emergency line. You can also call 767 for LASEMA/LASAMBUS ambulance services specifically. Both numbers are toll-free and available 24 hours a day. Save them in your phone now so they are readily accessible when needed.
Are ambulance services free in Lagos?
Government ambulance services through LASAMBUS are generally free for emergency transport. Private ambulance services charge fees that vary based on distance and the level of medical support provided. Some private services offer subscription plans for families and businesses that want guaranteed response times.
What should I do if I cannot get an ambulance in time?
If an ambulance is not available or will take too long, transport the patient yourself using the safest means available. Call the hospital's emergency line ahead of arrival so they can prepare. Use hazard lights and drive carefully. If the patient's condition allows, consider calling Lonia for a telemedicine consultation during transit to receive guidance from a doctor while you are on the way.
Is Lonia Hospital open 24 hours for emergencies?
Yes. Lonia Hospital's emergency department operates around the clock, seven days a week. Our team is trained to handle a wide range of emergencies, from trauma and cardiac events to severe infections and obstetric complications. Visit our emergency care page for location details and contact information.