Doctors Slam Railways for Dangerous CPR Video – Here's Why?
Overview
A recent video shared by the Indian Railways showed a ticket examiner (TTE) giving CPR to a 70-year-old passenger who had reportedly suffered a heart attack aboard the Amrapali Express. The Railways praised the TTE for his quick response, claiming he saved the man’s life. However, medical professionals on social media reacted strongly, criticizing the CPR technique and the decision to perform it on a conscious patient.
Video Raises Medical Concerns
In the video, the TTE performs chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing on the elderly passenger, who is awake but looks uncomfortable. The man answers questions posed by someone recording the video, adding to the criticism about his awareness and need for CPR. The Railways’ post claimed the TTE “saved the passenger’s life” before the man was transferred to a hospital at Chhapra station.
Why CPR on a Conscious Patient is Inappropriate?
Rather than praise, many medical professionals called out the video for what they saw as misinformation. Doctors highlighted that performing CPR on a conscious, responsive person contradicts medical guidelines and can even be harmful. One doctor explained. “CPR is a serious medical procedure and should only be used when a patient is unresponsive and not breathing.”
You don’t perform CPR on a conscious person. CPR is not for general heart attacks; it is for cases where someone is unresponsive.
Medical professionals expressed concern that the video might spread dangerous misinformation, leading to inappropriate attempts at CPR in similar situations.
Public Reaction and Legal Queries
One activist has already filed a Right to Information (RTI) request, seeking information about the TTE’s medical training and whether the Railways will investigate the incident. The activist stressed the importance of accountability in such cases, especially when public health information is involved.
Conclusion
While the Railways intended to showcase a life-saving moment, the incident has sparked debate on the proper use of CPR. Medical experts urge that CPR should only be performed following established guidelines, cautioning against actions that could mislead the public on critical healthcare practices.
How to Respond Safely
-
- Call 108: Ask another person to call 1-0-8 and begin CPR.
- Perform Hands-Only CPR: Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100-120 pushes per minute, allowing the chest to rise back up after each push. AHA (American Heart Association) recommends using the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” to help maintain the rhythm.
- Continue Until Help Arrives: Keep giving chest compressions until medical help arrives or someone with formal training can take over.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
