Training in rescuing cardiac arrest victims

ON SAVING LIVES: Consultant Pulmonologist S.K. Sundara Kumar (right) and Medical Director (Specialities) of PSG Specialty Hospitals J.S. Bhuvaneswaran (second right), explaining the procedure in providing timely care to victims of cardiac arrest at Coimbatore Junction on Saturday. Photo: M. Periasamy

“I had helplessly watched people suffer from sudden cardiac arrests which had even resulted in loss of life. The training had given us the confidence that we can do our bit to save lives in such situations,” said G. Parasuraman, taxi driver at the Coimbatore railway station.

He was one of the 60-odd participants at a training programme primarily for railway officials and staff on providing timely care to victims of cardiac arrest held at the Coimbatore Junction on Saturday.

J.S. Bhuvaneswaran, Medical Director (Specialities), and Consultant Pulmonologist S.K. Sundara Kumar, PSG Specialty Hospitals, explained the procedures of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and operation of automated external defibrillators (AED).

An AED was installed at the railway station on Friday by Philips Healthcare India and Rotary Club of Coimbatore as part of ‘Save a Life’ project. Station Manager D. Chandrasekharan said that Coimbatore Junction was the first railway station in the country to have an AED.

Dr. Bhuvaneswaran said, “positive attitude to help the victim and the ability to act promptly during crisis situation are important in saving victims of sudden cardiac arrest.”

“Anybody could safely use AED by following the instructions from the machine. The machine will instruct to deliver shock only if it is necessary,” Dr. Kumar said.

Important

It was also important to administer CPR by following the correct procedures till the patient’s pulse is revived, Dr. Kumar said.

The first step was to see whether the patient was conscious and check the pulse. If pulse was not detected, chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing could be done to revive the functioning of heart.

In the meanwhile, emergency service should be alerted to provide professional medical attention, he said.

According to representatives from Philips, Health Care Division, following suggestions to include pre-recorded instructions in AED in Tamil, the company had taken steps to implement it though the procedure would take time.

Project Chairman N. Sundaravadivelu, Rotary Club of Coimbatore, and Station Master C.G. Balasubrahmaniam were present at the programme.