Toluwanisings Dies: What to Do When Someone Collapses

The sudden death of Nigerian gospel singer Toluwanisings has raised concerns about emergency medical care and what to do when someone collapses.

The 41-year-old musician, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, died on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, after reportedly collapsing in Ibadan, Oyo State.

His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, said efforts to secure treatment took them to seven or eight hospitals. He explained that some hospitals cited a doctors’ strike, while others declined to admit the singer.

The incident has prompted medical practitioner Dr. Lukman Olusesi, popularly known as DokitaSesi, to share lifesaving advice on responding to sudden collapse.

He emphasised that actions taken within the first few minutes could make a critical difference during a medical emergency.

What to Do When Someone Suddenly Collapses

Dr. Olusesi advised Nigerians to check whether the person responds when called or gently tapped on the shoulders.

If there is no response, shout for help and call emergency services immediately.

Next, check whether the person is breathing normally. Open the airway using a gentle head tilt and chin lift if no serious neck injury is suspected.

Check breathing for no longer than 10 seconds.

Occasional gasping does not count as normal breathing and could indicate cardiac arrest.

How to Perform CPR in an Emergency

If the person remains unconscious and is not breathing normally, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

Place the person on their back on a firm surface. Position both hands at the centre of the chest and begin compressions.

The American Heart Association recommends 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute, reaching approximately 5 to 6 centimetres deep in adults.

Allow the chest to return fully between compressions.

Trained responders can perform 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Others should continue hands-only CPR.

Ask someone to find an automated external defibrillator (AED). Switch it on and follow its instructions when available.

What Not to Do When Someone Collapses

Continue CPR until emergency professionals take over or the person shows clear signs of recovery.

Dr. Olusesi warned against common practices that could delay lifesaving treatment.

Do not pour water on an unconscious person, slap them or force drinks into their mouth.

If the person is unconscious but breathing normally, CPR is unnecessary.

Instead, place them on their side in the recovery position if no serious spinal injury is suspected.

Continue monitoring their breathing while waiting for emergency assistance.

If breathing stops or becomes abnormal, begin CPR immediately.

What Causes Sudden Collapse?

Sudden collapse can result from several medical conditions, including cardiac arrest, stroke, seizures, severe bleeding, abnormal heart rhythms and low blood sugar.

Low blood pressure may also cause fainting. However, it should not automatically be assumed to explain every collapse.

Although reports initially suggested low blood pressure might have contributed to Toluwanisings’ death, no confirmed medical findings have established the cause.

Dr. Olusesi stressed that bystanders do not need to identify the exact cause before providing appropriate emergency first aid.

Toluwanisings’ Death Raises Emergency Care Concerns

The reported difficulties obtaining treatment for Toluwanisings have renewed questions about emergency services in Nigerian hospitals.

Dr. Olusesi questioned whether hospitals have sufficient trained personnel, oxygen, resuscitation equipment and defibrillators to respond to critically ill patients.

He also stressed the importance of immediate assessment, initial stabilisation and effective referral systems.

Meanwhile, University College Hospital, Ibadan, said its services had resumed following a local doctors’ strike. Its spokesperson said the hospital had no official record of the singer being brought there.

The incident highlights the need for reliable emergency care and better coordination between healthcare facilities.

Why Nigerians Should Learn CPR

Dr. Olusesi urged Nigerians to learn basic life-support skills, including CPR.

He encouraged churches, mosques, schools, workplaces and community organisations to train people who can respond to emergencies.

He also recommended making AEDs available in public places where resources permit.

According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can significantly improve survival chances after cardiac arrest.

While the medical circumstances surrounding Toluwanisings’ death remain unclear, the tragedy has reinforced the importance of emergency preparedness.

Knowing how to recognise cardiac arrest, call for help and perform CPR could help save a life.