DRIVEN TO SAVE LIVES: A BASIC LIFE SUPPORT TRAINING
By: Irene Raidis Intog, RN
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical set of emergency procedures designed to sustain life in situations like cardiac arrest, choking, or respiratory failure. For non-medical employees in a company such as drivers, HR staff, and finance team, knowing how to administer BLS can be a lifesaver. These employees often interact with colleagues and the public, and knowing how to perform BLS, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), can make a life-saving difference in an emergency. In collaboration with Qatar Care and Prime Care, this training activity was organized to equip employees with the skills to respond quickly and effectively. By offering this training, companies can ensure a safer, more responsible workplace, where employees are ready to take action until professional medical help arrives.
During the event, Ms. Regine Rafanan, Head of Finance, stepped in to give the welcome remarks in place of Ms. Rowena Dimpaso, the General Manager, who was unable to attend. Dr. Veronica Macaraeg, the Resident Physician from Qatar Care, then took on the role of moderator and introduced the speaker for the session, Ms. Nada Sattar, the Nurse Educator from Prime Care. Ms. Nada shared her expertise on Basic Life Support (BLS), emphasizing its critical importance in emergency situations. Her session highlighted how BLS can make a life-saving difference during cardiac arrest, choking, or respiratory failure, underscoring the value of having trained individuals who are prepared to act swiftly and effectively in such life-threatening scenarios.
In the initial part of the session, Ms. Nada provided a clear definition of Basic Life Support (BLS) and outlined the immediate steps to take in a cardiac arrest scenario. She also differentiated between CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), emphasizing the importance of each in saving lives during emergencies. To ensure hands-on learning, Ms. Nada, along with Ms. Riza Mae, the Facilitator, demonstrated how to perform high-quality chest compressions and provide effective rescue breaths. The session also highlighted the importance of communication and coordination during CPR. They stressed the need for a team approach, advising that one person should immediately call for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) while another performs CPR, ensuring a seamless and timely response to life-threatening situations.
After the coffee break, the participants were given the opportunity to practice CPR themselves in pairs. Ms. Nada and Ms. Riza Mae created different scenarios and guided the participants to assess the situation and manage the patient, represented by a mannequin. They were encouraged to follow the steps that had been discussed and demonstrated earlier in the session, including performing chest compressions, rescue breaths, and using proper techniques. This hands-on practice allowed participants to apply their knowledge in a realistic setting, reinforcing the importance of staying calm and confident while delivering life-saving care in an emergency.
In conclusion, the participants were able to demonstrate effective skills in CPR, showcasing their newfound confidence and competence in handling emergency situations. Dr. Veronica, the Moderator, shared the key takeaways from the session, reinforcing the importance of quick, effective action during a cardiac arrest emergency and the proper techniques for CPR. By the end of the training, participants left with enhanced knowledge and refreshed skills in Basic Life Support, feeling well-equipped to respond to life-threatening situations and contribute to a safer workplace.
