Doctor performs life saving CPR on patient in train, but health experts are upset: Know why

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has recently shared a video on microblogging platform X, in which a doctor is performing CPR on an old person. "Our dedicated Indian Railways' team," the minister has captioned the 1 min long video, in which we can see the doctor giving mouth to mouth CPR to an old man.

The video which has garnered 2.3 million views so far has been criticised by health experts.

"Hi, ER Doc here. I can’t believe I actually have to say this but do NOT perform mouth-to-mouth CPR on awake people who are literally talking to you," Sam Ghali, ER doctor has posted.

"Sir, he is harming the patient than helping her. CPR is not offered to patients who are conscious. This only exposes the fact that TTE s aren’t even trained in giving basic life support," Dr Rahul Mally writes in reply to the minister's post.

"There is no need to perform CPR on those who are responsive and breathing or have effective pulse unless you are a reels hungry bot," writes another user.

Read the post here:

When to perform CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used during emergencies when someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. It is vital to act quickly, as prompt intervention can significantly improve survival chances.

You should perform CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. This includes situations like cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or severe trauma. Before beginning, ensure the environment is safe for you and the victim. Tap the person and shout to check for responsiveness. If there is no response, call for emergency medical help immediately or ask someone nearby to do so.

Do chest compressions on the victim if they have no pulse or have an abnormal respiration, such as gasping. Position your hands on the middle of the chest and push with force and speed at about 100-120 compressions per minute. If you are trained in using rescue breath, intervene in a 30:2 ratio (30 compressions followed by two breaths). In the case of no training, provide compressions only until further help arrives.

CPR should be continued until the individual becomes conscious, resumes spontaneous breathing, or a medical professional takes over. Knowledge of CPR is very important. Prompt action would save a life between death and death.