Kolkata hospital conducts mega CPR training in association with Indian Museum
Times of India | 7 December 2024
KOLKATA: On Friday a Kolkata hospital joined hands with the Indian Museum to conduct a mega CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training programme. Health experts said creating a CPR-ready community could help reduce mortality during sudden cardiac arrest.
The number of sudden cardiac arrest is on a rising trend where this condition is not sparing adults in the younger age group. Administering CPR could save lives in such emergency situations.
Experts from Medica Superspecialty Hospital, part of the Manipal Hospital group, trained volunteers on the correct way of giving CPR at the Indian museum courtyard. Supervised by Dr Indranil Das, Head of Emergency at the hospital the sessions brought together volunteers from educational institutes including St. Xaviers’ High School, Howrah, Douglas Memorial School, St. Sebastian's School, Annex College, Aditya Academy Senior Secondary, Dum Dum, Aditya Academy Secondary, Barasat and an NGO called - Sapgachi Humanity for you and Me (HUM). Guests including Nakagawa Koichi, Japanese Consul Generalwas also present.
Dr Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals (East), said, “In India, almost half of the patients who experience a heart attack arrive at hospitals after 400 minutes from the time their symptoms started; that is much beyond the ideal time of 30 minutes. Experts say that without help within 18 minutes of cardiac arrest, the damage cannot be reversed. Here, CPR training can be useful by providing immediate help until medical care arrives.”
As part of its mission of life-saving education, the hospital has already trained over 2,000 volunteers across Kolkata. On Friday around 200 volunteers joined the movement, making themselves CPR-ready and better equipped to act in emergencies.
Arijit Dutta Choudhury, Director at the Indian Museum, said, “This initiative has been a long-standing priority for us. We have already equipped our employees with CPR training in collaboration with Medica. Through this program, our goal is to promote a culture of safety and preparedness within schools, colleges, and other organizations. Today, around 10 institutes joined hands with us for this training programme. With students also receiving CPR training today, they are now better equipped to handle critical emergencies at home.”
"As India’s oldest and largest museum, the Indian Museum, Kolkata holds a unique position as both a cultural space and a hub for public awareness. Beyond preserving and showcasing our nation’s rich heritage, we actively engage with the community to foster essential skills and knowledge. Today’s CPR training program has garnered an overwhelmingly positive response. This reinforces our commitment to expanding such initiatives and equipping the public with life-saving skills," said Sayan Bhattacharya, Deputy Director at the Indian Museum, Kolkata (Ministry of Culture, Government of India).