In a first for the region, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), along with the Supreme Council of Health will host an awareness campaign on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) technique on Friday and Saturday.

CPR is a basic life support technique that can be used if an individual’s breathing and heart suddenly stop. Chest compressions keep blood and oxygen circulating in the body, and if administered quickly, could prove lifesaving.

In addition to performing CPR, people can call 999 immediately to seek medical assistance. Research shows that starting CPR can immediately double a person’s chance of survival.

Held under the patronage of HE the Minister of Public Health Abdullah bin Khalid al-Qahtani, the campaign will take place on the Doha Corniche, the Wakrah Corniche, Katara - Cultural Village, City Center Doha, Landmark Mall, The Gate Mall and Gulf Mall between 3pm and 9pm on Friday. On Saturday, the campaign will be held only in the malls.

An awareness video on CPR, released by HMC, has become a huge hit on Gulf Times Facebook page with over 60,000 people being reached.

Teams from Hamad International Training Centre (HITC) and about 250 healthcare volunteers from Qatar Red Crescent Society, Primary Health Care Corporation, Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Interior, Medical Services Corps of the Qatar Army, and the Medical Unit at Qatar Petroleum, will conduct demonstrations on the hands-only CPR technique at these locations.

Over 400 CPR mannequins will be used in the events to help the public learn hands-only CPR, and 50 stations will be set up along the Doha Corniche to demonstrate and teach the technique.

"The rate of bystander CPR performed by members of the public varies internationally from 10% to 70% but in Qatar the rate is less than 10%," stated Dr Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, director of HITC.

"It is crucial that we all work together to improve this rate. Many people do not realise that CPR is a simple technique that they can learn quickly and use if they need to.

“It is just two simple steps that people can learn very fast. We know that cardiac diseases are on the rise. Most cardiac arrests happen outside the hospital environment and the role of the public is very important in saving such lives.”

“Even in the most capable response system, ambulances take seven to eight minutes to reach the spot. Every minute after a cardiac arrest, there is 10% reduction in survival possibility,” the official highlighted.

The main event will be on the Doha Corniche. “We will set up 50 stations at the Doha Corniche seafront for about 2km from Sheraton Park. Every station will have simple mannequin and mattress and the volunteers will have no medical uniform to highlight the idea that it can be done by anyone in the pubic. We expect thousands of people to witness and benefit from this event. This is the first of many more initiatives to come later.”

The official also pointed out that since the launch of HITC some 15 years ago, the Centre has formally certified more than 200,000 people for CPR and this campaign aims to increase the number and increase the awareness of such an important lifesaving skill.