Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become the leading cause of illness and death in India, with Indians presenting with CVD a decade earlier and experiencing higher mortality rates compared to people of European ancestry. This high prevalence of cardiac diseases in India can be attributed to various factors, including lifestyle changes, an aging population, and a rising burden of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, tobacco use, and stress further contribute to the increasing incidence of CVD.
Despite the alarming statistics surrounding cardiovascular health in India, only 2% of the general population is aware of the clear and present danger of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This awareness percentage falls far below the international average of 30%. However, learning CPR can be a life-saving skill in the event of a cardiac arrest, as it can contribute to saving almost 40% of lives if administered in time.
In recognition of this critical need for CPR knowledge and skills, the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has collaborated with the Society for Emergency Medicine in India (SEMI) to launch the CPR as a Life Skill Initiative (CALS). This initiative aims to raise awareness about SCD and train people in basic CPR techniques. The project is supported by the Making India Heart Strong Initiative of SUN Pharma, and its honorary secretary, Dr. Debabrata Roy, is actively involved in the endeavor.
To ensure widespread dissemination of CPR knowledge, the CALS initiative will utilize both physical training workshops and digital platforms. In the first phase, over 1,000 doctors who are members of the CSI will organize physical training workshops in more than 25 cities across India within the next year. These workshops will focus on educating participants about the importance of CPR, how to recognize 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 participants learn the correct techniques.
To reach a broader audience, the CALS initiative will also leverage multiple platforms, including newspapers, magazines, and digital media. Over 18 carefully curated videos will be made available to educate people about CPR. Actively engaged participants who interact with these digital materials will receive badges recognizing their CPR awareness.
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In conclusion, the CALS initiative by the Cardiological Society of India and the Society for Emergency Medicine in India is poised to make a significant impact on public awareness and education about CPR. By training and raising awareness among over 10 million Indians within the next year, this initiative aims to equip people with life-saving skills and contribute to reducing mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases.
