Bhubaneswar, 3rd Nov 2025: Due to an unhealthy lifestyle and lack of exercise, the number of heart attacks has been increasing rapidly. For people who suddenly experience cardiac arrest, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR acts as a “lifesaving elixir.” It is essential to conduct CPR training programs in schools, colleges, workplaces, and even in rural areas across the state.
Experts say that around 20 million people die of heart attacks worldwide every year, and in India alone, the number exceeds 800,000. Of these, 8% of heart attack deaths occur outside hospitals. Only 1% of India’s population is aware of CPR or has received any training in it. In contrast, in developed nations like Japan, the USA, and France, 98% of people are trained in CPR, and it is mandatory for school students above 8 years of age. Unfortunately, this aspect has been largely neglected in India and Odisha, where less than 1% of people have CPR training.
Dr. P.K. Das, noted cardiologist and Director of the Cardiology Department at Capital Hospital, stated that every section of society must receive CPR training. Crowded public places like bus stands, railway stations, markets, cinemas, and offices often witness sudden cardiac arrests. If even one trained person is present, a life can be saved. Administering CPR within three minutes of collapse can bring a person back to life, and there is an 80% chance of survival if CPR is given promptly. There are two types of CPR — advanced and regular.
Dr. Das explained that in sudden cardiac arrest, the heartbeat stops unexpectedly, and blood circulation to vital organs is disrupted, causing reduced blood flow to the brain. When the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygenated blood, a person loses consciousness, and within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. Hence, performing CPR within three minutes can save a person’s life. He also mentioned that organizations like the Sathya Sai Organization regularly conduct public CPR training programs.
Purushottam Bal from Ziqitsa (108) Ambulance Service added that according to the Indian Heart Association, 28.1% of total deaths in India are due to heart-related ailments, of which 10.3% are caused by sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Every year, among people aged 35 and above, around 20 to 40 individuals per 100,000 die due to sudden cardiac arrest.
Experts further explained that during CPR, the rescuer places the palms of both hands on the left side of the chest, directly above the heart, and presses down 100 to 120 times per minute. This helps restore blood flow to the brain. Once the patient regains consciousness, they must immediately be taken to a hospital for further treatment.
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