Imagine a loved one suddenly collapsing at home—no warning, no time to think. In those critical first minutes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death. Yet many Filipinos are caught unprepared when these emergencies strike.
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the country’s leading silent killers. It can happen to anyone, anytime, and often occurs in the presence of family or friends. The tragedy is that survival often depends on immediate action, long before medical help arrives.
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Why Filipinos Need CPR Training Now
When the heart stops, every second counts. Immediate bystander intervention with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival. However, without prompt action, survival rates drop sharply. A study at the Philippine Heart Center found that only 12% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients received resuscitation before reaching the hospital, and less than 1% had access to an automated external defibrillator (AED). The outcome was grim, with only 2.4% surviving 30 days after the arrest.
Despite the Samboy Lim Law mandating CPR lessons in schools since 2016, many young Filipinos, especially Gen Z, still lack proper training. This gap in preparedness underscores the need for widespread education across all age groups.
Sagip CPR Steps In
To address this need, Bell-Kenz Pharma, in collaboration with the Philippine Heart Association and community partners, launched the Sagip CPR program. The initiative focuses on teaching hands-only resuscitation and AED use, giving ordinary citizens the knowledge and confidence to respond during emergencies.
Sagip CPR is being rolled out nationwide through schools, barangays, and civic groups. Its goal is to reach households and communities where most cardiac arrests occur, often in the presence of loved ones. By equipping students, workers, and families with this lifesaving response, the program seeks to create a culture of preparedness where immediate help is always within reach.
Survival doesn’t have to depend on chance. Every home, classroom, and workplace can become a safer space. Sagip CPR reminds us that saving a life is not just the role of doctors or first responders—it is a responsibility we can all share.
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