Herald Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR – Knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can make a crucial difference in life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest. It is equally important for individuals to be familiar with the essential steps of providing immediate aid before professional help arrives.
St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) recently conducted a CPR and AED awareness session for the ministry staff and personnel of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre (APC Community), attended by 17 participants. The session was led by Kevin Peter and Nalliah Vellasamy from SJAM, who began by sharing the organisation’s motto, values, and history.
Kevin Peter highlighted the importance of mastering five key components:
1. The importance of oxygen and the urgency of resuscitation
2. The Chain of Survival
3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for adults
4. Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
5. Special considerations
He emphasised that it is advisable to practise CPR annually, as resuscitation protocols are reviewed and updated every five years. Kevin also introduced participants to the DRSABCD action plan, which stands for Danger, Response, Shout for Help, Airway, Breathing, Compression, and Defibrillation.
Participants were divided into pairs to practise CPR and AED procedures on training manikins, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the life-saving process.
One of the participants, Anglin Anthony, shared, “Being equipped with the skill to save a life, especially when I’m not from the medical field, is a precious gift. The AED training today has strengthened my confidence that I can help resuscitate someone while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. The DRSABCD code — look out for danger, get a response, shout for help, open airway, check breathing, perform CPR, and connect the AED — is something I will treasure. Although I hope never to face such a situation, I am now willing and ready to offer help and share my knowledge. I’m grateful to the archdiocese for providing this valuable training opportunity.” – Herald Malaysia
