Gleneagles KK offers free CPR training

KOTA KINABALU: In observance of World Heart Day, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu (GKK) will offer free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training on September 23 at Imago Shopping Mall from 10am to 5pm.

The one-day affair is organised in partnership with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRC), Lions Ambulance Service Society (LASS), Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Tanjung Aru.

More than 300 people are expected to be equipped with this basic life support skill that is essential in responding to a cardiac emergency.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer in Malaysia, with many deaths occurring suddenly and without warning. However, timely intervention in the form of CPR can double a person’s chances of survival. The technique is easy to learn and can keep a cardiac arrest victim alive until paramedics arrive.

“As medical first responders endeavour to quickly attend to calls, the prompt actions of bystanders in the precious minutes before their arrival will make a big difference in saving lives,” said Noel Cheah, Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu.

“Members of the public who are trained and able to respond when they witness a cardiac arrest will also enhance the victim’s chances of recovery thereafter. Today’s event is important in creating civic awareness as well as in developing a community that is ready and able to act effectively in such emergencies.”

In addition to CPR training, visitors can also join a smoking cessation clinic as well as health talks by interventional cardiologist Dr Ahmad Ashraf and pulmonologist Dr Arfian Ibrahim.

All activities are free and open to the public. Certificates of participation will be given to those who complete the CPR course.

To register, visit http://bit.ly/ GKKCPRTraining