Emergency Preparedness in School Health Services: A Study of Secondary Schools in Lagos, Nigeria

This study assessed the level of emergency preparedness in selected public secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 54 teaching and non-teaching staff across six schools in Makoko, Iwaya, Mushin and Idi-Araba. A validated questionnaire with reliability coefficient 0.75 assessed knowledge, attitudes and availability of emergency response facilities. Findings showed that awareness of school emergencies was high, but formal training in first aid or emergency response and participation in safety drills were low. Many schools lacked functional sickbays, oxygen cylinders and properly equipped first aid boxes. The study recommended mandatory training, provision of emergency tools and enforcement of the National School Health Policy.