Bhubaneswar: In a bid to strengthen emergency response and equip frontline workers with life-saving skills, employees of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), particularly sanitation inspectors, were trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques on Tuesday on the occasion of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) CPR Day-2026.
The training programme aimed to prepare civic body employees to provide immediate assistance to people suffering from sudden cardiac arrest before medical help arrives. Senior doctors demonstrated the correct CPR techniques and explained how timely intervention can help save lives during critical situations.
The programme was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of late Dr Anand Shandilya, who is remembered as the father of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The IAP observes his birth anniversary as CPR Day every year to spread awareness about the importance of immediate response during cardiac emergencies.
During the session, doctors explained that a person suffering cardiac arrest can collapse within seconds and that immediate action is crucial. Participants were trained to check breathing and pulse, perform chest compressions and provide rescue breaths to revive victims until professional medical assistance arrives.
The trainers demonstrated that rescuers should administer 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths and continue the process until the patient starts breathing or medical help reaches the spot. They also explained CPR techniques for children and newborns.
BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said sanitation inspectors and other field-level employees frequently interact with citizens, and their knowledge of CPR could prove valuable during emergencies.
“If BMC employees trained in CPR are able to save even one person’s life in their lifetime, the purpose of this training programme will be fulfilled,” Das said.
BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana said CPR knowledge should reach every household as cardiac emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time.
“Learning CPR is not enough; people should also educate their family members about this life-saving technique so that immediate action can be taken during emergencies,” Rana said.
The training programme was attended by BMC Additional Commissioner Suvendu Kumar Sahu, senior doctor Dr Artabandhu Nayak, former CDMO and professor Dr Mrutunjaya Dash, IMS Associate Professor Dr Isha Panda and Assistant Professor Dr Shubham Maharana.
Doctors highlighted that the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest are extremely critical and that timely and proper CPR can significantly improve the chances of survival. The IAP has also been conducting awareness programmes and training sessions in schools and colleges to promote CPR skills among students and the public.
BMC Deputy Commissioner Rasmirekha Amanta coordinated the programme and thanked the doctors, trainers and participants for their contribution.
