Mumbai: India Medtronic Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) and Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has launched 'Reset the Beat', a nationwide campaign aimed to increase awareness on sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Launched at the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi, the campaign will eventually be accelerated in association with other leading hospitals across India. In the first phase spanning three months, over 1500 people will be trained through 36 CPR workshops across hospitals, railway stations, police department, public markets, schools, colleges etc., in Delhi and Chennai.
The campaign underscores the urgent need to raise awareness on the need for administering timely CPR to save lives during an SCA. A recent study indicates that the survival rate during a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) stands at 1.05 per cent in India. The survival rates are influenced by factors such as availability of emergency medical services, prompt bystander CPR, and access to defibrillation.
In recent times, we have observed several celebrities losing their life due to SCA. These incidences have brought the health condition to the forefront and made many people take note. The need of the hour is to raise awareness not only on the condition but also on how CPR can help save lives. Spreading awareness about CPR can help give SCA patients a second chance.
Eminent leaders including Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi chairman Dr Ashok Seth and Fortis Healthcare Medical Council, Michael Blackwell, vice president and managing director, Medtronic India, Fortis Healthcare Dr Anil Saxena, executive director, Cardiac Pacing & Electrophysiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Dr Aparna Jaswal, director, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Govind Sharma, Assistant Commissioner of Police Traffic South East graced the launch event with their presence.
Speaking about the campaign, Medtronic India vice president & managing director Michael Blackwell, said, “Lack of awareness around SCA is a critical factor contributing to the alarming burden of heart diseases and mortality in India. By placing a strong emphasis on CPR education, we have the potential to save thousands of lives through ‘Reset the Beat’. Through the innovative approach of bringing CPR training directly to the heart of our communities, and Medtronic’s mission to alleviate pain, restore health and extend lives, we are eager to empower individuals to become life-savers and make a tangible difference in our society.”
Adding further, Cardiac Pacing & Electrophysiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital executive director Dr Anil Saxena said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Medtronic for the impactful Reset the Beat campaign. At Fortis, we understand the pressing need to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the importance of immediate response in saving lives. Together, we will work tirelessly to enhance survival rates and save countless lives. This collaboration exemplifies our unwavering dedication to improving cardiovascular health and ensuring that communities have the knowledge and tools necessary to act swiftly and confidently in critical situations."
Cardiac Electrophysiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute director Dr Aparna Jaswal said, “SCA is a serious cause of concern and a public health issue in India, particularly because there is less awareness about its symptoms and risk factors. It is imperative to educate people about SCA and the fact that in the absence of immediate resuscitation, it may not be possible to revive the person. Together, we will bring CPR training and life-saving skills directly to the heart of our communities, empowering individuals to make a real difference in cardiac emergencies.”
Adding further, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute zonal director Bidesh Chandra Paul said, “I wholeheartedly commend the 'Reset the Beat' campaign launched by Medtronic. This vital initiative will not only raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrests but also empower our communities with life-saving CPR skills. I encourage everyone to actively participate in the workshops and utilize the online resources, as together we can make a tangible difference in improving survival rates and ensuring a safer future for all."
The Reset the Beat campaign extends beyond physical training sessions for bystanders and medical staff and includes an interactive online platform hosting a rich assortment of resources. These include detailed training modules, enlightening videos, and practical guides, all designed to enhance knowledge of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) signs and suitable responses. These resources are designed for a wide audience, ranging from healthcare professionals to everyday people looking to improve their emergency response abilities.
