A recent training programme in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) technique undertaken by Delhi Police’s Police Control Room (PCR) has helped save 11 lives in just over a month.
The force, which is the only police force in India to be equipped with the basics of this life-saving technique, has managed to administer timely assistance to patients including heart attack cases to self-strangulation and even road accident cases en route to hospitals.
The data compiled by the police with individual case histories covers a period between July 15 and September 30. One of the more recent cases was reported on September 29, when a young man Furqan attempted suicide by hanging himself. Talking to The Hindu , Furqan’s cousin Gulzar, who had made the call to the PCR, recalled that when the family had almost given up any hope of survival, the CPR provided by PCR personnel helped Furqan regain consciousness.
“He was taken to the hospital by the PCR staff after that where the doctors also acknowledged that it was because of the CPR his life was saved,” said Gulzar.
Special Commissioner of Police (Operations) Sundari Nanda said that the need for CPR training, in addition to the basic first aid training, was felt as PCR vehicles are usually the first respondents in case of road accidents or other medico-legal cases. People also dial the police assistance number 100 to contact the police in case of a medical emergency with no legal angle involved.
Anita Roy, Additional DCP Training PCR, added that as far as medical emergencies are concerned, Delhi Police has to shoulder more responsibility due to the lack of a centralised ambulance system with adequate infrastructure and proper training. On an average, PCR vans rush over 250 patients to hospitals every day in contrast to the 60-odd transported by CATS ambulances.
While officers attributed certificates issued by doctors who later treated these patients to explain the immediate dividends reaped from the training, which was carried out in July-August, personnel on the ground are hopeful that they would save more families from the traumatic “brought dead on arrival” statement issued by hospitals.
