Make CPR training compulsory in schools - SJAS commander

KUCHING, Aug 25 (Bernama) --  St John Ambulance Sarawak (SJAS)  chairman and commander Dato Sri Ang Lai Soon hopes that the federal government will give its full support to make cardio- pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training mandatory in all schools and institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.

He said he had proposed the CPR training in August last year at the SJAS’ Mass CPR campaign and the Education Ministry had agreed to consider it to be included in the education syllabus.

He hoped the proposal would be implemented and included in the country’s education system as soon as possible. 

“I am certain the new federal government is prepared to do more for the wellbeing and health of the people, especially in this exercise, which requires a bit of funding but will in the long term be a saving for the nation,” he said during an inspection of school divisions and briefing for teachers-in-charge at the St. John Ambulance Headquarters here today.

He said it was also a good idea for every household to have at least one family member able to administer CPR as several cases of heart attack occur at home.

“One cannot dispute the fact that being able to render first aid and perform CPR on a person who has a heart attack before getting the victim to the hospital would make the difference between life and death.

“I am confident the new federal government will rise to the occasion and take the necessary action soon so that many precious lives can be saved,” added Lai. 

He said apart from saving money as there would be less number of heart patients to take care of.

CPR awareness could also lessen the workload of doctors and nurses as well as need for ambulances to attend to emergencies, he added.

 -- BERNAMA

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