The course was conducted by Dr Gaurav Kuthiala, Senior Consultant and Incharge of the Life Savers Programme at SPS Apollo Hospital.

According to a statement issued here, the first batch of 45 students participated in the programme, which included an in-depth management of patients with cardio respiratory arrest. Dr Kuthiala emphasized the need of training in basic life support for every individual.

He highlighted that this will cut the death rate by at least some per cent, through safety and trauma care initiatives by the general public. Dr Kuthiala said that students should know how to give first aid to the victim of fits, choking, heart attack and accident cases. The steps, which included opening of the airway by head tilt, chin lift manoeuvre, and the right method for chest compression were also demonstrated. He also highlighted the recognition of symptoms of heart attack and stroke, and the importance of early transportation to the hospital.

During the session, Dr Kuthiala answered the various queries put forward by students which included management of poisoning, cases of head injury, bone injury, fits etc. After the practical training, students were given certificates and Life Savers Badges by Dr Gaurav.

The programme was coordinated by Dr Sunita Sharma and Lecturer Hem Kanta, incharges of the Red Cross Society unit at Khalsa College for Women.