Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has held a public enlightenment lecture on the rising cases of sudden death, popularly known as the “slump and die” syndrome.
The lecture, themed “Sudden Death: Case Presentation and Post-Event Management”, aimed to educate the public on the causes, prevention, and emergency response strategies for sudden deaths. The well-attended event took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, and drew participants from various walks of life.
Delivering the keynote address, Rt. Rev. Professor Samuel Ike, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese and a Consultant Physician and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, defined sudden death as a natural death resulting from cardiac causes. According to him, it often follows an abrupt loss of consciousness within an hour of acute symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty, and irregular heartbeat.
Prof. Ike identified prodromes, acute cardiovascular collapse, cardiac arrest, and biological death as key elements in sudden death. He emphasized that early intervention can reverse acute cardiovascular collapse.
“If a patient experiences pain in the arm and the left side of the chest, that is a potential warning sign of impending death,” he warned.
He encouraged people to regularly monitor their pulse, weight, and general health, and warned against unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, drug use, alcohol consumption, and a sedentary routine. He also highlighted the dangers of extreme physical exertion, like heavy weightlifting and push-ups, particularly without proper health checks.
Condemning poor parenting habits, Prof. Ike expressed concern over children being allowed to lead sedentary lives filled with junk food, video games, and minimal physical activity.
Citing statistics, he revealed that 40% of sudden deaths go unwitnessed and 80% occur at home. A review of autopsies at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) between 2007 and 2018 showed that 13.6% of total deaths were sudden, with only 8 out of 29 cases making it to the hospital.
He listed risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcoholism, epilepsy, hypertension, heart failure, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, respiratory issues, complications during pregnancy, abortion, head injuries, and even overexcitement and depression.
“Men are particularly vulnerable,” he said, “as many suppress their emotions, avoid seeking medical care, and suffer in silence.”
He called for increased public awareness through mass media, emergency response infrastructure, CPR training, and policies to equip hospitals and communities for quick response.
In his presentation, “Sudden Death: Case Presentation and Post-Event Management,” Prof. Robsam Ohayi, a Professor of Anatomical Pathology and Forensics, stressed the importance of autopsies and toxicological tests to determine the actual causes of death—whether genetic or environmental. He urged the Enugu State Government to establish a toxicology laboratory, noting the absence of such a facility in the state.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. George Ugwu, disclosed that the state government is building 260 primary health centers across the 260 political wards and a 300-bed international hospital to expand access to quality healthcare and train more personnel.
Demonstrating Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaiye, announced that Governor Mbah had approved CPR training for staff at primary health centers and grassroots communities.
“We are taking CPR training to the grassroots. His Excellency is passionate about emergency healthcare and equipping citizens with lifesaving knowledge,” he stated.
ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, in his remarks, noted that beyond cardiac arrest, poverty and depression also contribute to sudden deaths.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, lamented the loss of a student and staff to sudden death, underscoring the relevance of the lecture.
“Sudden death can happen anywhere—churches, schools, streets, playgrounds, or homes. We are here to equip you with knowledge that can help turn a hopeless situation around,” he said.
