In a significant public health initiative, Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre in Madurai has successfully trained more than 1,500 police personnel in essential life-saving skills. This comprehensive program was conducted over a span of 24 weeks, featuring 20 intensive training sessions held across various locations in Madurai district.
Addressing a Critical Health Crisis
According to a hospital statement, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is responsible for nearly 7 lakh fatalities annually across the country. The survival outcomes for such emergencies heavily depend on rapid and effective intervention, highlighting the urgent need for widespread training in basic life support techniques.
Structured Training and Certification Programme
The life-saving drive was launched in August 2025 as part of a formal agreement between Meenakshi Mission Hospital and the Madurai district police. This collaboration established a structured training and certification programme designed specifically for law enforcement personnel.
The hands-on training curriculum included:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques
- Basic life support (BLS) protocols
- Automated external defibrillator (AED) usage
- Emergency response procedures for medical crises
Empowering Police as First Responders
Led by Superintendent of Police B K Arvind, this initiative aimed to transform police officers into capable first responders during medical emergencies. The training equipped them with the skills necessary to provide immediate assistance before ambulance services could arrive on the scene.
More than 10 categories of police personnel participated in the programme, including:
- District police office staff
- Unit strength personnel
- Armed reserve units
This widespread training ensures that a substantial portion of Madurai's police force is now prepared to handle medical emergencies effectively, potentially saving countless lives in critical situations.
