PJ folk get hands-on training to save lives

Participants gathering around the trainer for a practical lesson on how to use the AED machine. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star

AN INITIATIVE is underway in the Bukit Gasing neighbourhood in Petaling Jaya, Selangor to equip residents with life-saving skills.

Training sessions on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) drew enthusiastic participation from all age groups.

Dr Subatra says it is important for everyone to learn how to perform CPR and use the AED.

Led by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran, the initiative highlighted the importance of such programmes to train residents to be prepared for emergency situations.

“CPR and AED are skills that people want to learn, which is obvious from the turnout,” he said in reference to the 50 participants, with ages ranging from 18 to 72 at the programme.

This training session, he said was part of a series of events that had been carried out over the past five years.

Selangor Community Health Volunteers (Suka) coordinator for Bukit Gasing, Dr Subatra Jayaraj emphasised the programme’s importance.

“It is important for laypersons to be trained in CPR and know how to use an AED as part of their basic life response,” she said.

The training sessions, backed by Suka, is aimed at enhancing health awareness in the community.

The training itself was comprehensive and combined theoretical knowledge with practical application.

“The first half is just theory with a question-and-answer session to dispel misconceptions,” she said.

The hands-on practice, facilitated by Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), ensured that participants not only learnt the techniques but also gained confidence in their application.

“We emphasise good techniques and good basic principles.

“There is no point doing CPR with bad technique, because it isn’t going to improve the outcome,” said Dr Subatra.

The focus on proper training was crucial, as effective CPR significantly increased chances of survival in an emergency, she reiterated.

Participant Alagarani Ahalalasuntharam, 62, shared her motivation for attending the training.

“I learned CPR under St John Ambulance in primary school, so I am here to get a refresher,” she said.

“Now, with a lot of mishaps happening, especially among those who are seniors, it is always good to be ready as a community.”

Dr Subatra said the Suka programme was more than just a series of training sessions, as it aimed to raise awareness about health policies and community engagement.

“By fostering a culture of health awareness and preparedness, the programme aims to create a safer and more resilient community,” she said.