CPR initiative aims to recognise the signs

Dubai Airport staff and travellers get life-saving training

DUBAI // More than 300 travellers at Dubai International Airport have received training in life saving to help them recognise when a fellow passenger could be having a heart attack. The “Recognise a Cardiac Event” was part of a month of training programmes hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Free, hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation ( CPR) techniques were passed on to travellers and airport employees at the five- hour training event, attended by Cpl Mohammed Naji Ali Dabos.

The Dubai Police officer was commended for his swift action last year when he was monitoring road surveillance cameras and spotted someone having a heart attack.

He then dispatched a patrol car and ambulance, enabling the victim to receive life-saving medical care.

“The most important part of any training is being able to recognise a situation and understand how to respond,” Cpl Dabos said.

Research shows conducting CPR immediately can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. Health Authority Abu Dhabi said that 35 per cent of all deaths in the UAE in 2014 were from a cardiovascular disease.

More than six million lives are lost each year around the world from cardiac arrest, with recognition of early signs and first aid offering a significantly greater chance of survival. Conventional CPR, which consists of rescue breathing and chest compression, requires training by an educational body such as the AHA. But hands- only CPR can be performed by anyone and takes just a few minutes to learn.

“Every second counts in a cardiac arrest,” said Dr Firas Al Najjar, a consultant in emergency medicine at Rashid Hospital. “Even those who have not been formally trained in conventional CPR with breathing can perform hands-only CPR. It’s a simple, effective technique that physically pumps the heart, providing oxygenated blood to vital organs.

“Since most cardiac arrests do not occur in a hospital, the life saved is likely to be a family member or friend.”

CPR courses are available through AHA outlets and affiliated training centres, offering free, hands-only CPR sessions.