Role of bystanders highlighted at CPR training

CEBU, Philippines — “Your hands can become an instrument of hope.”

This was the message of Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Dr. Emilio Galaroza Jr. as he urged Oponganons and other residents to learn basic hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stressing that ordinary bystanders can help save lives during a cardiac emergency.

Galaroza, chairperson of the Lapu-Lapu City Council Committee on Health, said emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, making it important for members of the community to know what to do before professional responders arrive.

“Lahat naman ito pwedeng mangyari kahit kanino. At the same time, hindi natin alam kung kailan mangyayari,” said Patrick Laraga, corporate communications and public affairs head of Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc.

Laraga said the ability of bystanders to respond immediately can be crucial, particularly when emergency responders are still on their way.

“The key is that we as bystanders, we will be able to help. Nagkakaroon tayo ng confidence na tumulong kung alam natin kung paano tayo makakatulong,” he said.

Galaroza likewise emphasized that knowing the proper response during a cardiac emergency could mean the difference between life and death, as he encouraged participants to gain confidence through hands-on learning.

“A person who knows what to do can make a difference between life and death,” Galaroza said.

“Mao nga importante kayo ang hands-only CPR. Pinaagi sa hustong chest compression, mahimo natong matabangan ang pagpadayan sa pag-agos sa dugo ngadto sa utok ug ubang importanteng organs, samtang naghulat ug nagpaabot kita sa mga emergency responders,” he added.

He delivered his message during the Sagip CPR training held Saturday, September 12, at the Lapu-Lapu City Hoops Dome, where over 1,200 volunteers participated.

The event was organized by Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. and its medical partners, including the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, in partnership with the Lapu-Lapu City Government and the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA).

Participants included PCSA members and officers, seafarers and vessel crew, city government personnel, barangay health workers, community organizations, and representatives from the Lapu-Lapu City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office.

The training covered heart health, hands-only CPR, and the proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), with the goal of preparing ordinary people to respond while waiting for professional medical assistance.

The activity also formed part of the Sagip CPR Nautical Highway initiative, which seeks to bring lifesaving CPR knowledge to the maritime sector, where medical assistance may not be immediately available during emergencies at sea.

Laraga said a first responder in such situations does not necessarily have to be a medical professional.

“At sea, the first responder may not be a medical professional. It can be a crew member, a fellow passenger, or someone nearby who happens to know what to do,” he said.

“That is why CPR readiness matters. When professional help cannot reach the scene immediately, or at sea, may not be available for quite some time, a trained person is the critical link that keeps someone alive until help becomes available,” Laraga added.

The PCSA, described as the largest domestic shipping association in the Philippines, has more than 50 member companies operating over 800 vessels across the country. Its members serve a significant portion of the domestic shipping market, which carries about 28 million passengers annually.

Lapu-Lapu City is the third local government in Cebu to join the Sagip CPR program, following CPR training activities held in Cebu City and Mandaue City in the past two months. The broader initiative aims to equip one million Filipinos with hands-only CPR skills.

Participants were also reminded of the basic SAGIP steps: first, “Suriin ang Lugar” and make sure the area is safe; next, “Alamin ang Kalagayan” of the person; “Gamitin ang 911” or the local emergency hotline and have an AED brought to the scene; “Ilagay ang Kamay” at the center of the chest and perform 100 to 120 compressions per minute; and finally, “Ikabit ang AED pads,” follow its voice prompts and continue CPR.

Galaroza called on those who underwent the training to practice the proper technique, listen to their instructors, and pass the knowledge on to their families and communities.

“Practice the proper technique, listen to our instructor, and share what you have learned with your families and in your communities. Your hands can become an instrument of hope,” he said.

The organizers said the training seeks to build a culture of preparedness by ensuring that people who are already present at the scene of an emergency are equipped to act, particularly during the critical period before professional responders arrive. — (FREEMAN)