200 Auto Drivers Trained in Life-Saving CPR Skills at Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road

Bengaluru: Ahead of World Heart Day 2025, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, organized cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training workshop for auto drivers at the hospital premises on 28th September 2025.

Aimed at addressing the recent surge in heart attacks among young individuals, the workshop was designed to equip participants with essential skills to respond effectively to health-related emergencies.

The workshop conducted by Dr. Shashwath Hegde, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, where around 200 auto drivers were trained to administer CPR.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency response that's done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. During the workshop, auto drivers were provided with hands-on training in CPR, emphasizing on the significance of quick and effective CPR in increasing the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrests.

Practical demonstration was given to interested individuals on how to identify the warning signs, promptly assess the situation, and provide immediate care until professional medical assistance is available.

An insightful health talk on the importance of early recognition and intervention during a heart attack or cardiac emergency was also delivered by Dr. Vivek Jawali, Chairman - Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru.

Emphasizing on the importance of recognizing the early signs of cardiac arrest, Dr. Vivek Jawali, Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, "Cardiac arrest can occur anywhere - at home, on the road, or in public spaces, and in most cases, immediate action is the only chance to save a life.

Auto drivers, who are often at the very heart of our city’s movement and reach emergencies faster than anyone else, are uniquely positioned to step in as first responders. By equipping them with CPR skills, we are not only raising awareness but also creating a ripple effect of empowerment across the community.

This training transforms them into everyday heroes who can act decisively in those critical minutes when every heartbeat truly matters and help bridge the vital gap before professional medical support arrives."

The event witnessed the presence of senior doctors and leadership from Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road, including Dr. Rajpal, Director - Interventional Cardiology; Dr. Srinivas Prasad, Additional Director - Interventional Cardiology; Dr. Sudarshan GT, Additional Director – CTS, Dr. Shivanand Patil, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology; Dr. Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director; and Dr. Priya Sreedharan, Medical Director, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said, "Fortis Bannerghatta Road has always believed that healthcare is a shared responsibility between hospitals and the communities we serve.

World Heart Day is a global reminder that we cannot afford to overlook heart health, and this year’s theme, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat,’ perfectly captures the urgency of timely action. By reaching out to those at the forefront of our city’s daily life, such as auto drivers, we are taking life-saving knowledge beyond hospital walls and into the community.

This initiative ensures that, beyond spreading awareness, we are creating a safer, stronger, and more prepared society that can respond effectively in moments of crisis."