Every Filipino Urged to Learn CPR

The Department of Health (DOH) advocates for all Filipinos to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), emphasising its critical role in saving lives during emergencies.

This appeal comes as the DOH highlights the urgent need for widespread CPR knowledge among the general public.

The Life-Saving Potential of CPR

CPR is a life-saving technique that can be administered in emergencies when someone’s heart stops beating. According to the DOH, immediate and effective CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival in such scenarios. Health officials stress that knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death for cardiac arrest victims.

Increasing Public Awareness and Training

The DOH’s call to action aims to raise public awareness about the importance of CPR training. By encouraging every Filipino to learn this essential skill, the DOH hopes to create a more prepared and responsive community. Albert Domingo, the Asst. Secretary of DOH, highlighted the ease of learning CPR and the immense benefits it provides. He urges everyone to take part in training sessions.

Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement

The DOH is working with various organisations and institutions to promote CPR training. A key collaboration is with the Department of Education, as they have included CPR training in the curriculum. Efforts include partnerships with local government units, schools, and workplaces to integrate CPR training into their programs. An example of this is the Emergency Management Bureau (EMB), as well as the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), both of which give out free training. By engaging different sectors of society, the DOH aims to ensure that CPR training is accessible to as many people as possible.

Proper CPR Technique

According to the American Red Cross, proper CPR involves placing two hands centred on the chest, with the shoulders over the hands and elbows locked. Compressions should be at least 2 inches deep and performed at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. It is crucial to allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression. The president of the Philippine College of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Jeremy Cordero, said that it would help responders to think of upbeat music. This is key to keeping pace with the proper CPR rate. Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Sec. Gen. of the PRC, says that it is common to inflict injuries during CPR, like breastbone breakages. However, it is more important to get the heart beating again during cardiac arrest. 

Encouraging Self-Reliance in Emergencies

The DOH emphasises the importance of self-reliance during medical emergencies. With timely CPR administration being crucial for survival, the DOH wants to ensure that individuals are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to act swiftly. Dr. Pang noted that emergency medical services might not always be immediately available, making bystander CPR an essential first response. She highlights the importance of learning CPR, as training should reduce hesitancy and intimidation during emergencies. The empowerment that comes with the training can allow even laymen to have the skill to respond and save lives. 

Conclusion

The DOH’s initiative to encourage every Filipino to learn CPR underscores the vital role of this life-saving technique in emergency preparedness. By increasing public awareness, promoting widespread training, and addressing misconceptions, the DOH aims to build a community capable of effectively responding to cardiac emergencies. The call to action highlights the importance of self-reliance and community engagement in saving lives. The department encourages everyone to get training, with the ultimate goal of making CPR knowledge a common and essential skill among Filipinos.