UGC asks universities to provide basic life support training to students, faculties

The regulator said it is desirable to provide BLS training in the education sector, which could potentially save numerous lives.

The Higher Educational lnstitutions (HEIs) are requested to provide Basic Life support (BLS) training in consultation with the medical fraternity for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff, the University Grants Commission (UGC) said in an official notice.

Sudden cardiac arrest cases have become a leading cause of mortality in India, claiming thousands of lives each year, UGC said.

A cardiac arrest, often life-threatening, is a condition when the heart suddenly stops functioning. It is a cardiac arrest when there is a sudden loss of heart function, leading to an immediate loss of consciousness and normal breathing stops.

Health experts say incidences of sudden cardiac arrest among young adults in India are rising due to their sedentary lifestyles, diabetes, increasing consumption of alcohol, smoking, and hypertension. Recognising the early signs of cardiac arrest can result in timely intervention and potentially save lives.

“A study reveals an annual death rate of one crore in the country, with one million attributed to sudden cardiac arrest alone. The critical 3 to 10 minutes during cardiac arrest, as emphasized by cardiologists, could save 3.5 lakh lives if bystanders performed chest compressions within this time frame,” according to the UGC circular. “Unfortunately, a mere 0.1 percent of people are aware of Basic Life support (BLS) techniques,” it added.

Therefore, the regulator said it is desirable to provide BLS training in the education sector, which could potentially save numerous lives.