SEGi Pharmacy Students’ Association (SPSA) recently organised a CPR and AED workshop in collaboration with St. John Ambulance Malaysia (SJAM) to promote first-aid and emergency preparedness awareness among students at SEGi University. The event, which took place on 11th March 2023, attracted over 20 students.
The workshop began with a lecture delivered by qualified first-aid trainers from SJAM, highlighting the urgency of resuscitation and the importance of public awareness on the “chain of survival” in responding to emergency situations. According to the American Heart Association, about 70% of cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital, and performing CPR can double or triple the chances of survival.
The trainers then demonstrated the procedures of CPR and AED application, allowing participants to practice the skills of performing CPR and defibrillation on manikins. The use of AEDs has been shown to significantly improve survival rates in cases of cardiac arrest, with studies reporting up to a 75% survival rate when AEDs were used in combination with CPR.
Amanda Chang, President of SPSA, expressed gratitude to SJAM and the Faculty of Pharmacy for their contributions towards the success of the workshop. She emphasised the importance of such events in equipping students with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergency situations, and encouraged more students to participate in similar initiatives.
With sudden cardiac arrest being a leading cause of death worldwide, it is crucial to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to respond to such emergencies. According to the Malaysian National Heart Association, approximately 15,000 Malaysians die from sudden cardiac arrest each year, and the survival rate is only about 1-2%. Initiatives such as the CPR and AED workshop organised by SPSA and SJAM can play a vital role in increasing survival rates and promoting public health and safety.
