By Sister Jini Biju for BIS Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, July 23: Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, organized a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Awareness Session for students of Classes IX to XII in collaboration with Apollo Hospital, Belapur. This Guiness book record and social initiative by Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai is to create a massive CPR Pledge and Awareness campaign across local schools and colleges aiming for over 50,000 pledges to promote bystander CPR training. The initiative aimed to equip students with essential life-saving skills and inspire them to respond confidently during medical emergencies.

Emergency Physician Dr Meha Desai and Emergency Nursing Brother Bibesh along with the Apollo Marketing and HR Team led the interactive session, explaining how timely CPR can make the difference between life and death. Through real-life examples and practical demonstrations, they emphasized the importance of staying calm, acting quickly, and seeking professional medical assistance without delay.

Students learnt the correct steps of CPR, including checking for responsiveness, performing effective chest compressions, and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The trainers also highlighted the importance of blood donation and the responsibility each individual shares in supporting emergency healthcare.

The highlight of the programme was the hands-on practice session, where students performed CPR techniques under expert guidance. The practical experience, coupled with an engaging question-and-answer session, helped students gain confidence in applying these skills during emergencies.

The session reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible and compassionate young citizens equipped with practical life skills. Don Bosco Nerul expressed its gratitude to Apollo Hospital, Belapur, for conducting the training and to the Health Clinic led by the school nurse, Sister Jini, for coordinating the programme, as well as the Hospitality Committee and the support staff for their valuable assistance in ensuring the smooth conduct of the session.