In response to a concerning surge in cardiac arrests across the country, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Studies (NBEMS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is gearing up to initiate a nationwide awareness program on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
According to recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), deaths due to cardiac arrests witnessed a 12.5% increase, rising from 28,413 in 2021 to 32,457 in 2022. Additionally, sudden deaths reached 56,450 in 2022, marking a notable uptick from 50,734 in the previous year.
As part of this extensive program, more than 10 lakh participants will undergo CPR training in a single sitting across the country. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare emphasised that citizens, including students, professionals, and paramedical staff, will receive basic CPR knowledge through an online medium. Trained doctors will be stationed at each venue to explain CPR techniques and address participants' queries. The NBEMS will issue certificates of participation to attendees.
The Health Ministry's release highlighted that the NBEMS has a history of running comprehensive campaigns on social values and health awareness. In the previous year, the board organised a successful cyclothon program focused on promoting health and environmental awareness.
This initiative aims not only to equip a large number of individuals with life-saving CPR skills but also to create a widespread impact on public health consciousness. By fostering basic CPR knowledge among citizens, the program strives to contribute significantly to reducing the alarming statistics of cardiac arrests and sudden deaths in the country.