MMA Holds CPR Training For Perak Media Practitioners

IPOH, May 21 (Bernama) -- 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).

Perak MMA chairman Dr Monesh Pillai said media practitioners were chosen for the programme because of their important role in disseminating accurate, practical and timely health information to the public.

"Doctors can advise patients in clinics and hospitals, but the media can deliver public health messages more widely. Media practitioners who understand CPR, heart attack warning signs and emergency response procedures can help thousands of people understand what needs to be done when every minute counts," he told reporters after the programme.

Meanwhile, Dr Monesh said the MMA Perak branch had actively conducted community CPR programmes over the past few years, including sessions for teachers, students and the public.

He said statistics released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) showed 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.

The figure serves as a reminder that cardiac emergencies should be treated as a community issue and not merely a hospital concern, he said.

“Heart attacks can happen to anyone, and it can affect senior citizens, working adults, parents, professionals and individuals who may appear healthy externally.

"The risk increases with age, as well as with silent conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, stress, obesity and lack of physical activity. Awareness must begin before an emergency occurs," he said.

During the programme, participants were introduced to basic life support theory, heart attack warning signs, CPR techniques, choking emergency response, AED awareness and hands-on practical training.

They also 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.

-- BERNAMA