The first brainstorming consultation meeting to promote the school Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) program in India was recently held at AIIMS, New Delhi. This initiative is a significant step towards integrating life-saving skills into the school curriculum, aiming to empower students with the knowledge and ability to perform CPR.

The Importance of CPR Training in Schools : Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency procedure that can save lives during cardiac arrests. In many European countries, bystander CPR is common, with about 50% of heart attack victims receiving immediate help. In contrast, India has a much lower rate of bystander CPR, ranging from 0-10%. Immediate CPR can significantly reduce fatalities from cardiac arrests, highlighting the importance of widespread CPR training.

AIIMS Study on CPR Training : AIIMS, with support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), conducted an extensive study under the guidance of Dr. Sanjeev Bhoi. The study involved 4,500 students from 15 schools in Delhi over three years. The findings showed a significant improvement in CPR knowledge and skills among students and teachers.

- Age and Skill Acquisition : The study revealed that students from the 6th standard onwards were able to absorb CPR knowledge effectively. However, students in the 11th and 12th grades performed CPR skills better due to their greater muscle strength.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Consideration : During the training, BMI was also taken into account, which played a role in the effectiveness of CPR skills among students.

 Supporting National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 : The results of the AIIMS study align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes skill-based learning. Integrating CPR training into the school curriculum not only enhances students’ practical skills but also prepares them to handle emergency situations.

Recommendations and Policy Framework: Experts at the meeting recommended creating a comprehensive policy framework at both the national and state levels to include CPR training in schools. AIIMS, along with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Emergency and Trauma Care (WHO CCET), suggested integrating CPR training into physical education and incorporating it into the examination system to ensure that students are proficient in these life-saving techniques.

The primary goals of the meeting were to:

1. Share the Indian Research Report on School CPR: The findings of the AIIMS study were presented to highlight the effectiveness of CPR training in schools.
2. Develop a National Policy Framework: Experts discussed the creation of policies at the national and state levels to integrate CPR training into the school curriculum.
3. Plan for Nationwide Dissemination: A strategic plan was formulated to disseminate CPR training programs across schools in India, ensuring that students nationwide are equipped with these vital skills.

Integrating CPR training into the school curriculum offers several benefits:

- Empowering Students: Equipping students with CPR skills empowers them to act confidently in emergency situations, potentially saving lives.
- Community Impact: Trained students can spread CPR knowledge within their communities, increasing the overall rate of bystander CPR.
- Skill Development: CPR training enhances students’ practical skills and aligns with the NEP 2020’s focus on skill-based education.

The successful implementation of a school CPR program requires collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and government bodies. The meeting at AIIMS is a significant step towards creating a safer and more prepared society.

Promoting CPR training in schools is a crucial initiative that can save countless lives. The findings of the AIIMS study highlights the importance of integrating these life-saving skills into the school curriculum. By developing a comprehensive policy framework and implementing a nationwide dissemination plan, India can significantly improve its bystander CPR rate and enhance public health.

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