Srinagar: The Department of Cardiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Thursday joined forces with India Medtronic Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE MDT) to unveil an innovative CPR Skill Lab. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul, Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. Bashir A. Laway, Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS, Michael Blackwell, Vice President & Managing Director of Medtronic India and the distinguished Cardiology Faculty led by Prof. Hilal A Rather, HOD Cardiology SKIMS and Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Lone.
According to a statement issued from Public Relations Office SKIMS here, the CPR Skill Lab that has been donated by Medtronic to SKIMS, represents a remarkable milestone in the joint endeavors of SKIMS and Medtronic to revolutionize emergency cardiac care. With state-of-the-art training facilities and comprehensive training programs, the Lab is poised to play a pivotal role in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest. Medical students will have access to the training facility, enabling them to gain practical experience and proficiency in life-saving techniques. The lab’s resources and training programs will also serve as a valuable asset to SKIMS’ faculty, ensuring they stay abreast of the latest advancements in resuscitation practices. Furthermore, the Lab will provide paramedical staff and allied healthcare professionals with an opportunity to enhance their skill sets, ultimately elevating the standard of critical care provided at SKIMS.
Expressing his gratitude, Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul, Director SKIMS & Ex-officio Secretary to Govt. extended heartfelt appreciation to India Medtronic for their collaboration in establishing this advanced CPR Skill Lab. He emphasized the critical role of CPR as an emergency procedure capable of saving lives and highlighted the Lab’s potential to serve as a vital training ground for medical professionals. Prof. Koul also commended the collaboration’s dedication to improving patient care outcomes.
Michael Blackwell, Managing Director and Vice President of Medtronic India, emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “We cannot overlook the alarming fact that a staggering 95 percent of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest do not receive life-saving therapy within the crucial four to six minutes. CPR, a fundamental life-saving skill, can be performed by anyone with basic training during out-of-hospital sudden cardiac emergencies. I am thrilled to deepen our collaboration with SKIMS and seize the opportunity to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) while empowering more individuals to provide life-saving care when it matters most. Medtronic is unwavering in our commitment to improving patient outcomes, and this partnership with SKIMS will allow us to make a significant impact in delivering effective healthcare solutions.”
Dean Medical Faculty Prof. Bashir A. Laway & HOD Cardiology Prof. Hilal A Rather also spoke on the occasion and underlined the importance of CPR skill lab to train doctors, paramedical and other allied staff. Organising Secretary Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Lone thanked Director SKIMS for unwavering support and Medtronic organisers and all participants for their valuable contribution and support.
With the establishment of the CPR Skill Lab, SKIMS is set to become a pivotal hub for comprehensive and advanced life support training, fostering a culture of excellence and pushing the boundaries of patient care. This groundbreaking initiative signifies SKIMS’ unwavering commitment to equipping healthcare professionals with essential life-saving skills.
As the collaboration progresses, it holds the potential to make a lasting impact on healthcare in the region.
