Perak: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Perak branch organised cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for media practitioners in the state at Kinta Medical Centre here today. The one-day programme aimed to provide participants with first-hand exposure to basic life support, CPR, emergency response for choking incidents, and awareness on the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak MMA chairman Dr. Monesh Pillai highlighted the choice of media practitioners for the programme, citing their role in disseminating health information. Dr. Monesh stated that while doctors advise patients in clinics and hospitals, media practitioners can deliver public health messages more widely. He emphasized that media practitioners equipped with CPR knowledge, heart attack warning signs, and emergency response procedures can significantly impact public understanding and response during critical moments.
Dr. Monesh also noted that the MMA Perak branch has been actively conducting community CPR programmes over the years, targeting teachers, students, and the public. He referenced statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), which indicated that ischaemic heart disease remained the leading cause of death in the country, accounting for 17,421 deaths or 13 per cent of medically certified deaths in 2024. This statistic serves as a reminder that cardiac emergencies should be addressed as a community issue, not just a hospital concern.
He further explained that heart attacks could affect a wide range of individuals, including senior citizens, working adults, parents, and professionals. Risk factors such as age, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, stress, obesity, and lack of physical activity increase the risk of cardiac emergencies. Dr. Monesh stressed the importance of awareness before an emergency occurs.
Participants in the programme were introduced to basic life support theory, heart attack warning signs, CPR techniques, choking emergency response, AED awareness, and hands-on practical training. They had the opportunity to practise chest compressions using training manikins, learn the correct response in choking emergencies, and understand the role of AEDs in sudden cardiac arrest situations.