DHA launches new cardiac campaign at schools

Under a new first aid training initiative announced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) yesterday, 186 government and private Dubai schools will be trained on how to save cardiac arrest victims. The initiative, ‘Your heart is ours', a joint collaboration by the DHA, Dubai Education Zone and Leader Healthcare, is being rolled out in phases. "This initiative is a continuation of the on going school health and safety programmes implemented by the DHA," said Engineer Eisa Al Maidour, Director-General of the DHA. It will cover 186 schools 156 private and 30 government. Each school will receive a free pocket CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) device. School doctors, nurses and allied staff will be equipped with the skills they need to perform the lifesaving procedure. The DHA has instructed the medical staff at schools to transfer their knowledge to the teachers and pupils. "Within the next two months, health care professionals working in schools will receive the devices and the necessary training on how to administer CPR. In turn, they will impart their knowledge to the teachers and pupils," said Amal Ali Al Mehrezi, head of School Health and Education Institutions, Health Regulation Department at the DHA, speaking to Gulf News. Highlighting the benefits, Amal said the aim is to teach doctors and nurses in managing emergencies as part of effective school health programme.