Under the patronage of the Minister of Public Health HMC to conduct public CPR demonstrations to spread awareness of the lifesaving technique

Under the patronage of His Excellency Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani, Minister of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Health has launched an awareness campaign on the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) technique. 

The campaign will start with public CPR demonstrations around Doha

The event, which is first of its kind in the region, will take place on Friday, 29 January on the Doha Corniche, the Wakra Corniche and Katara Cultural Village between 3pm and 6pm

Similar events will also be held on Friday and Saturday, 29 and 30 January at City Center Mall, Landmark Mall, The Gate Mall and Gulf Mall between 3pm and 9pm

Teams from Hamad International Training Center (HITC), in addition to about 250 healthcare volunteers representing Qatar Red Crescent Society, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Interior, Medical Services Corps of the Qatar Army, and the Medical Unit at Qatar Petroleum, will conduct demonstrations on the hands-only CPR technique across Doha 

More than 400 CPR mannequins will be used in the events to help the public learn hands-only CPR, and 50 stations will be set up along the Doha Corniche to demonstrate and teach the technique 

Dr. Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, Director of HITC said, “Since HITC launched 15 years ago, the Center has formally certified more than 200,000 people for CPR and, with this campaign and event, we hope not only to increase the number but also the awareness of such an important lifesaving skill

"The rate of bystander CPR performed by members of the public varies internationally from 10 percent to 70 percent but in Qatar the rate is less than 10 percent. It is crucial that we all work together to improve this rate. Many people do not realize that CPR is a simple technique that they can learn quickly and use if they need to,” said Dr. Saifeldeen 

CPR is a basic life support technique that can be used if someone’s breathing and heart suddenly stop. Chest compressions keep blood and oxygen circulating in the body, and if administered quickly, could prove lifesaving. In addition to performing CPR, people are encouraged to call 999 immediately to seek medical assistance

Research shows that starting CPR can immediately double a person’s chance of survival, and for every minute without it, there is a reduction in the chances of survival of around 10 percent 

For more information about CPR and the events follow HMC on Twitter: @HMC_Qatar and Instagram @HMC_Qatar 

You can also view videos about HMC’s CPR campaign at

https://youtu.be/YCxY1-Fnok8

To book an appointment for formal training in CPR, people can email: hitc@hamad.qa