When emergencies strike, the first few minutes often decide outcomes. Recognising this, K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce organised a focused training session on Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on 15th April 2026, bringing life-saving skills directly to those who keep the institution running every day.
The session was designed specifically for non-teaching staff—lab assistants, attendants, clerical teams, and library staff—39 participants in total. The idea was simple but powerful: equip individuals, regardless of their professional background, with the confidence and competence to respond in critical moments.
The session was led by Dr Manjeet Singh Arora, Senior Consultant and National Trainer in First Aid, BLS, and CPR at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, and an alumnus of the 1974 batch. His approach blended clarity with urgency. He broke down complex medical scenarios into practical, understandable steps—starting with recognising the difference between a heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest, and moving quickly into when and how CPR should be administered.
What made the session particularly impactful was its hands-on nature. Using CPR mannequins, Dr Arora demonstrated correct techniques for chest compressions and rescue breaths, guiding participants through the right hand placement, compression depth, and rhythm. Volunteers stepped forward to practise, turning theory into muscle memory. The training also covered managing choking cases, assessing scene safety, and making quick, informed decisions before professional medical help arrives.
This initiative was organised following the suggestion of Samir Somaiya, President, Somaiya Vidyavihar, with a clear intent—to build a culture where preparedness is second nature. In a world where medical emergencies are increasingly common in workplaces and public spaces, the gap between incident and intervention can be the difference between life and death.
The key message stayed with everyone in the room: timely action saves lives, and with the right training, anyone can step in when it matters most. More than a workshop, the session left participants with something far more valuable—confidence, responsibility, and the ability to act without hesitation.
Leave a Comment