Analysis results Today’s heath emergencies are increasingly complex. According to the World Health Organization, 20 out of 100 lives lost because of accidents could have been saved. Every fifth victims of extreme health emergencies die because first aid was not provided in a timely manner or because of receiving incorrect assistance before emergency services had arrived. Approximately 356,000 people of all ages have sudden cardiac arrest every year in an out-of-hospital setting, and nine out of 10 dies.
Over the last 12 months, the University Medical Center (UMC), together with Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, have been developing the infrastructure and personnel to establish a training center for health emergencies in Astana. On November 24, 2022 UMC became the first official representative of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) in Central Asia. After completing a two–stage internship for certifying trainers and a thorough inspection of the Fund’s site, UMC received the official recognition by the ERC. UMC now has certification to lead basic life support and pediatric basic life support courses in Central Asia.
To date, 19 trainers have been certified, basic and pediatric life support simulation classes have been developed, Staff of UMC and National Research Cardiac Surgical Center employees have been trained in basic resuscitation care according to the standards of the European Resuscitation Council.
The opening of the official representative office of the ERC based located at the UMC and Nazarbayev University School of Medicine will allow for the creation of unified training programs on resuscitation measures in compliance with international standards.
Massimo Pignatelli, Vice-President for Medicine, Nazarbayev University says: “The recent pandemic and other health emergencies have taught us that even the most skilled personnel require continuous learning when called upon to intervene in life-threatening circumstances. UMC as the first official representative of the ERC in the region has established a Center of Excellence in health emergency training, learning, research, and innovation for Central Asia. In the Center citizens and healthcare professionals will learn critical technical skills and knowledge of resuscitation through ERC accredited programs. These programs will continue to be developed and updated using innovative digital technology and the integration of educational research by our healthcare professionals, staff, and faculty”.
Near-term goals for the program include:
- Training highly qualified instructors in advanced life support for adults and children with ERC accredited ALS and EPALS courses.
- Training in basic life support will be provided to a wide range of professionals in the Republic of Kazakhstan, including: employees of educational organizations; employees of internal affairs departments, servicemen of the Armed Forces, departments of the national security service, National Guard troops; employees of the fire service
Life is precious and must be preserved and protected. Learning lifesaving skills can make a crucial difference between life and death in our communities!