Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 28: In an initiative to foster life-saving skills within the community, KMC Hospital (Dr B R Ambedkar Circle), in association with the Health and Women Commissions of St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga, successfully conducted a comprehensive training session on CPR and medical emergencies. The event took place on September 27 at the local school premises.
The event commenced with a prayer song invoking God's blessings, gracefully rendered by members of the Women Association. Francis Gonsalves, a member of the Health Commission, efficiently compered the programme. Namitha Rebello, coordinator of the Women Commission, welcomed the gathering.
Fr Paul Pinto, parish priest; Usha Fernandes, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council and president of the Women Association; Sunil Pereira, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Sujith Sequeira, coordinator of All Commissions; Gretta Rodrigues, coordinator of Health Commission; and Namitha Rebello, coordinator of Women Commission, were present on the dais.
Delivering his presidential address, Fr Paul Pinto stressed the paramount importance of human life, noting that acquiring the knowledge to resuscitate and preserve life is a profound blessing to humankind.
Dr Archana from KMC Hospital led the technical session, extensively explaining complex, life-saving procedures in a simple, clear, and practical manner. Her approach ensured that even participants with no medical background left feeling confident to act during an emergency. She emphasized that timely action saves lives and that education is the first step toward becoming a helper.
Going beyond standard CPR, the training covered calm and correct responses to other critical medical emergencies, including snake bites, strokes, choking and amputations.
Dr Archana was ably assisted during the demonstrations by Romesh from KMC Hospital.
The engaging session drew an enthusiastic turnout of about 170 participants. As part of the conclusion, the hospital distributed certificates, detailed booklets on CPR, and refrigerator magnets featuring emergency contact details for the hospital ambulance.
As a token of gratitude, the church presented the resource team with flower plants and goodies, while Dr Archana reciprocated by gifting a first-aid kit to the parish. Sharal Pereira, member of the Health Commission, proposed the vote of thanks, and all attendees were served refreshments at the close of the session.