Dubai Health Authority observes Heartsaver month, holds free CPR training sessions

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25 May, 2015:  The Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA’s) Medical Education Department has  organized a  free community awareness campaign on Hands-only Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)  as a part of its initiative to mark Heartsaver month, which is observed during the month of May in the Middle East and North Africa MENA) region.

The  Hands-Only CPR Awareness training  began on the 24th  of May and will continue until the 3rd of June and the sessions are taking place at Rashid, Dubai, Hatta and Latifa Hospital, DHA primary health centres, DHA airport clinics, Hatta Union Coop and some schools. The sessions are open for patients, visitors and medical staff. 

Dr Jamila Al Shaikh, Director of Medical Education at the DHA, said: “In a cardiac arrest, seconds count and so quick CPR from someone nearby before emergency professionals arrive at the scene can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival. Also, many cardiac arrests happen outside a hospital – like at home, or at work or elsewhere. The more people who know what to do, the more lives could be saved.”

Dr Gheneya Al Shamsi, Acting Head of Professional Development Centre at DHA, said: “During the training sessions, participants are informed that they should call the emergency response number first and then start CPR. Last year we trained more than 1000 people and this year we hope to do the same.”

Bindhu Misbahudeen, Senior Training Officer at DHA, said: “We are focusing on  mainly two steps as part of the awareness program. i.e. call the emergency number 999 and  start hands-only compression. Hands-Only CPR is known to be as effective as conventional CPR to help cardiac arrest  patients at home, at work or in public. CPR is a basic lifesaving skill and we hope that people invest their time in learning this essential skill.”