Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government of Lagos State has introduced 10 Motorcycle Response Unit (MRU) Ambulances, popularly called ‘Ambulance Bikes,’ to strengthen emergency medical services and cut down response times across the state.
Naija News reports that the motorcycles, handed over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) on Tuesday, are specially fitted with medical equipment and designed to navigate Lagos’ notorious traffic, narrow inner roads, and hard-to-reach areas.
Officials said the initiative will allow trained paramedics to reach victims faster and deliver life-saving treatment in critical situations where every second matters.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the move was a bold step in tackling the peculiar challenges of emergency care in a megacity like Lagos.
“These Ambu-bikes are Lagos’ response to our unique traffic situation. They will reach patients faster than conventional ambulances, deliver immediate treatment, and, where necessary, call in larger ambulance units for evacuation. This saves precious time and ultimately saves more lives,” she said.
The Bikes Have Almost Everything Except a Bed
Ogunyemi disclosed that each of the 220cc superbikes is equipped with vital life-saving tools, including sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, pulse oximeters, nebuliser machines, glucometers, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen kits, radios, sirens, and protective gear for riders.
“These bikes have almost everything except a bed. Our paramedics can administer CPR, control bleeding, give IV fluids, and stabilize patients on the spot,” she added.
The Special Adviser noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the project promptly under the THEMES+ agenda, describing it as another innovation that positions Lagos as a pacesetter in healthcare delivery.
“Once the proposal was presented with data, Mr Governor immediately approved it. This is another first in Nigeria, Lagos once again setting the pace,” Ogunyemi remarked.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, stated that the initiative is part of the state’s five-year roadmap to transform pre-hospital emergency services.
According to him, Lagos has already invested in mobile intensive care units, a boat ambulance, and plans are underway to integrate air ambulances.
“The concept is simple: bikes beat the traffic, paramedics intervene immediately, and ambulances take over for evacuation. This seamless system reduces mortality rates and increases survival chances,” Ogboye explained.
He added that the MRUs are fully integrated into LASAMBUS’s communication and data network for coordinated dispatch.
The Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs Beatrice Makinde, hailed the development as a “game-changer” for Lagos.
“For years, traffic gridlock has slowed our response efforts. With these ambulance bikes, we can now reach victims in record time, improve survival chances, and provide Lagosians with the emergency service they deserve,” she said.
The post Photos: Sanwo-Olu Launches Ambulance Bikes To Beat Lagos Traffic, Save Lives appeared first on Naija News.