2% Of People In India Know CPR, Inadequate By Global Standards: CSI
Almost 40% of lives can be saved if CPR is administered in time.
New Delhi (India), July 5: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are now the leading cause of illness and death in India. In addition to high prevalence, the other concerning things are that Indians present with CVD a decade earlier and their mortality rates are high as compared with people of European ancestry1.
The prevalence of cardiac diseases in the country remains high due to several factors, including lifestyle changes, an ageing population, and a rising burden of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension2. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, tobacco use, and stress further contribute to the increasing incidence. The healthcare system in India faces ongoing challenges in addressing this issue, including limited access to quality cardiac care and regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure3.
Sudden cardiac death is increasingly affecting Indians especially the young population though sadly only 2% of the general population are aware of this clear and present danger of SCD and the usefulness of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)4. This is far lower than the international average of 30%. Learning this essential skill can help save lives in the event of a cardiac arrest. Almost 40% of lives can be saved if CPR is administered in time. It is recommended that at least the caregivers and the family members of people with heart disease be trained in CPR. To meet this unmet need CSI (Cardiological Society of India) has launched the CALS (CPR as a Life Skill Initiative) in association with SATS Academy (Society for Emergency Medicine in India) to make people aware about SCD and train them in basic CPR techniques. The project is supported by Making India Heart Strong Initiative of SUN Pharma - Dr Debabrata Roy - Honorary secretary CSI
Out of the hospital, Cardiac arrest is a major cardiovascular event which requires public awareness about cardiac arrest and CPR skills in the general community. Be aware of Cardiac arrest, Learn CPR, save a life --Dr Vijay Harikisan Bang, President CSI. The objective is to train and raise awareness about CPR among the 10 million+ Indians within the next year through physical training and digital platforms.
The first phase of the initiative involves organising physical training workshops in more than 25 cities, conducted by over 1000 doctors who are members of the CSI. These workshops will take place throughout India within the next year.
During the training, participants will learn about the importance of CPR, how to identify those in need of CPR, and the proper steps to perform effective CPR. Training will be conducted using mannequins and special CPR cubes to ensure the correct techniques are emphasized.
To reach a wider audience, multiple platforms across newspapers, magazines and digital media will be used. Over 18 specially curated videos, will be made available to educate people about CPR. Participants who actively engage with these digital materials will be awarded badges to recognize their CPR awareness.
