- Rotary Club of Bhavnagar Vibrant and Indian Red Cross Lead Life-Saving Awareness Drive
- Hands-On CPR Training Empowers Students to Act Swiftly During Emergencies
- Health Education Initiative Reinforces: Every Second Counts in Saving a Life
NE HEALTH BUREAU
BHAVNAGAR, FEB 12
In a decisive step towards building a safer and more responsive community, the Rotary Club of Bhavnagar Vibrant, in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, conducted a comprehensive CPR and First Aid training session for 150 students of Dolat Anant Valiya School on February 11.
The initiative aimed to equip students with critical life-saving skills, ensuring they are prepared to respond effectively during emergencies—whether at school, at home, or in public spaces. The session covered administering CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), responding to choking incidents, managing bleeding, handling fractures, and taking immediate action before professional medical help arrives.
Expert trainers from the Indian Red Cross Society conducted practical demonstrations, making the session highly interactive and engaging. Students practiced CPR on mannequins, gaining hands-on experience that boosted both confidence and competence
Addressing the gathering, Club President Namrata Chadha emphasized the importance of early awareness.
“Basic first aid knowledge is not optional—it is essential. Every child trained today becomes a potential lifesaver tomorrow. Timely action, even before medical help arrives, can save precious lives.”
Indian Red Cross trainers highlighted the impact of prompt intervention.
“CPR administered within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can double or even triple survival chances. Teaching these skills at the school level creates a generation that is alert, responsible and prepared,” said one of the IRS trainers.
Another trainer added:
“Emergencies do not come with warnings. When children learn how to respond calmly—whether to choking, bleeding or fractures—they gain not just skills, but the confidence to act decisively.”
Club member Krishna Shah encouraged students to view the training as a lifelong asset.
“You are not just learning techniques today—you are learning how to protect your friends, family and community. These skills stay with you forever.”
The enthusiasm among students reflected the impact of the session.
A Class IX student shared: “I had only seen CPR in movies before. Today I learned how to actually perform it. I now feel confident that I can help someone in an emergency instead of feeling helpless.”
Another student from Class VIII said: “The choking demonstration was very useful. We realised how quickly accidents can happen. This training has made us more aware and responsible.”
The session proved highly beneficial for both students and school staff, reinforcing that health awareness must begin early. Through such initiatives, the Rotary Club of Bhavnagar Vibrant continues its commitment to community health and youth empowerment.
What is CPR & Why First Aid Matters
What is CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)?
CPR is an emergency life-saving procedure performed when a person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It involves:
- Chest compressions to maintain blood circulation
- Rescue breaths (if trained) to supply oxygen
Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival chances until medical help arrives.
Key First Aid Skills Taught During the Session:
- Responding to choking (basic Heimlich manoeuvre technique)
- Controlling bleeding using pressure and bandaging
- Basic fracture immobilisation
- Immediate steps to take before emergency services arrive
Early action can prevent complications and save lives.
5 Golden Rules During an Emergency
1️⃣ Stay Calm, Stay Alert
Panic can worsen the situation. Take a deep breath and assess before acting.
2️⃣ Ensure Safety First
Check that the surroundings are safe for both you and the victim.
3️⃣ Call for Help Immediately
Dial emergency services (108 in India) or alert a responsible adult without delay.
4️⃣ Act Within Your Training
Perform CPR or first aid techniques only as you have been trained.
5️⃣ Stay with the Victim Until Help Arrives
Monitor their condition and provide reassurance until medical assistance takes over.
