Hospital offers CPR training to taxi drivers
Shanghai Yodak Cardio-Thoracic Hospital has teamed up with Dazhong Taxi Co to offer first-aid training to taxi drivers.
Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of sudden death. Among adults, about half of sudden deaths are due to coronary heart failure. It's estimated that there are people dying every minute from cardiac arrest in China.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, better known as CPR, can be a key live-saving measure for people experiencing a cardiac event. Yet, less than 1 percent of cardiac-arrest patients receive CPR in China, due largely to lack of knowledge and promotion.
"High summer temperatures can be a risk factor for cerebral and cardiovascular events. Taxis are an important transportation method in the city. When emergencies happen, taxi drivers may be the closest person to the patient. They can offer help during those golden early minutes, which are critical to save a patient's life," said Dr Li Yawei from the hospital.
Ren Lili, a Dazhong taxi driver who participated the training, thinks it's very useful for drivers to learn CPR and other first-aid skills.
“With such knowledge and skills, we can be the person to offer help,” she said.
Drivers from Dazhong Taxi Co learn about CPR at Shanghai Yodak Cardio-Thoracic Hospital.
A doctor demonstrates CPR to taxi drivers.
