CPR Awareness Week Empowers Citizens With Lifesaving Skills

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India’s Health Ministry conducted a nationwide CPR Awareness Week from October 13 to 17, 2025, training over 6 lakh citizens in lifesaving techniques. The initiative aimed to improve bystander response during cardiac arrests and promote emergency preparedness across communities, with digital platforms and institutions driving mass participation and skill-building.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has concluded a nationwide CPR Awareness Week, held from October 13 to 17, 2025, aimed at equipping citizens with essential lifesaving skills to respond to cardiac emergencies. The initiative comes amid rising concerns over sudden cardiac arrest incidents, especially among younger populations.

The campaign focused on Compression-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a simplified technique that can be administered by bystanders to maintain blood flow until medical help arrives. Over 6.06 lakh individuals received hands-on CPR training, and more than 7.47 lakh citizens were engaged through workshops, digital pledges, and community outreach programs.

Notable Updates:
- CPR Awareness Week was organized across schools, colleges, workplaces, and public spaces to ensure widespread participation
- The campaign emphasized the importance of early intervention, with studies showing CPR within the first minute can triple survival chances
- Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the goal of having at least one CPR-trained individual in every household and public area
- Digital platforms like MyBharat and ICMR hosted live demonstrations, panel discussions, and pledge drives to boost engagement

Major Takeaways:
- India’s bystander CPR rate remains below global standards, prompting urgent public sensitization
- The initiative targeted youth participation to build a culture of volunteerism and emergency preparedness
- CPR training included chest compressions at 100 per minute and rescue breathing techniques
- The drive aligns with global best practices recommended by the American Heart Association and WHO

Important Points:
- Cardiac arrest accounts for nearly 70% of sudden deaths in India, often occurring outside hospitals
- CPR is a critical bridge until professional medical aid is available
- The campaign is part of a broader public health strategy to reduce preventable deaths through community empowerment

Sources: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Orissa Diary, MSN News, MYBharat, Indian Nursing Council, ICMR