In a powerful collaboration with the Cardiological Society of India and the Indian Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons, OMC Cares has embarked on a mission to elevate community safety and preparedness through the launch of the Hands on Hearts campaign. This citywide initiative aims to equip Hyderabad’s first responders with crucial life-saving skills, particularly CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and first aid, ensuring that more lives can be saved in emergency situations.
The Vision: Strengthening Hyderabad’s Safety Net
The Hands on Hearts campaign is driven by the belief that in a crisis, timely and effective action can mean the difference between life and death. First responders often serve as the initial point of contact in emergencies, making it essential that they are well-prepared to handle critical situations before professional medical teams arrive. By focusing on first responders like Metro employees, traffic police, police officers, and school teachers, the campaign is striving to build a safer and more resilient Hyderabad.
A Collective Effort: Mobilizing the Medical Community
One of the most remarkable aspects of the campaign is its unifying force. Over 700 medical professionals have joined forces to provide expert training to individuals and groups throughout the city. These dedicated medicos offer hands-on sessions, teaching CPR techniques, proper use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and essential first aid methods. Their commitment ensures that participants are not only learning life-saving techniques but also gaining the confidence to act swiftly in a crisis.
Impacting Key Groups: A Targeted Approach
The campaign has already made impressive strides, reaching critical groups who are often on the frontlines of emergencies:
- Hyderabad Metro Employees: Given their proximity to thousands of commuters each day, equipping Metro staff with CPR and first aid skills enhances the safety of public transportation.
- Traffic Police in North Zone Hyderabad: Traffic officers are frequently first on the scene in road accidents. With the ability to administer CPR or provide immediate first aid, they can make a significant difference while waiting for paramedics.
- Police Officers: Law enforcement officers often respond to emergencies involving health crises or accidents. Training them in these life-saving techniques adds an extra layer of preparedness in their line of duty.
- 500 School Teachers: With schools being a place where children spend much of their time, having teachers trained in CPR and first aid ensures that they can protect their students in case of a medical emergency, creating a safer environment for young learners.
The Goal: A Fully Prepared Hyderabad
The broader vision of Hands on Hearts is to ensure that all first responders in Hyderabad, across various sectors, are equipped with essential CPR and first aid skills. OMC Cares, alongside its esteemed collaborators, is working toward creating a ripple effect where a growing number of community members become trained and ready to respond effectively in emergencies. This initiative not only enhances individual capabilities but also fosters a community culture of safety, compassion, and preparedness.
A Lifeline for the Future
As Hyderabad continues to grow, initiatives like Hands on Hearts serve as a crucial lifeline for its residents. By empowering those who are most likely to encounter emergencies, OMC Cares and its partners are ensuring that the city is well-prepared to handle medical crises with competence and care.
Through this collective effort, the Hands on Hearts campaign is laying the foundation for a healthier, safer Hyderabad—one trained responder at a time.