Quezon city: At an evangelical community church in Quezon City, 42-year-old Cristina Forres serves as a volunteer in the children's ministry. In early 2024, her church implemented a new policy: all volunteers must undergo basic life support (BLS) and hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
According to Philippines News Agency, Forres initially questioned the necessity of such training, given the nature of her volunteer work. However, the training session provided her with a new perspective on the unpredictability of emergencies. "During the training, I realized just how fast things can go wrong, oo nga, paano kung bigla may mag-choke, mag-collapse, or himatayin (yeah, what if somebody chokes, collapses, or faints)?" she reflected, acknowledging the importance of being prepared.
Facilitated by volunteer medical professionals from the nearby barangay health center, alongside church members who are doctors and nurses, the training emphasized basic CPR techniques, emergency response protocols, and maintaining composure under pressure.
Forres highlighted that church leaders prioritized the training to ensure preparedness for worst-case scenarios. Given that ambulances in the area can take 15 to 30 minutes or longer to arrive, the first five minutes after an incident are crucial.
In the Philippines, where traffic congestion, limited access to emergency services, and under-resourced healthcare systems are common, CPR knowledge is not just beneficial-it's essential. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported in April 2025 that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the country, accounting for 19.4 percent of total deaths in 2024.
The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) emphasized the significance of CPR in addressing sudden cardiac arrest, a condition with severe psychological and emotional impacts on families. PHA's Council on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation chair, Don Robespierre Reyes, compared the heart to the body's engine and stressed the importance of CPR in keeping that engine running during emergencies.
Reyes pointed out that sudden cardiac arrest can occur unexpectedly, affecting anyone regardless of their health history. Immediate CPR can maintain blood circulation while waiting for medical assistance, potentially saving lives. He encouraged young people to learn CPR, stating that "you don't have to be a doctor to be a hero."
Confidence in performing CPR remains a challenge, as people often fear causing harm. However, Reyes argued that taking action is better than doing nothing. He shared the inspiring story of 16-year-old JC Sumbad, who saved 64-year-old Victor Chua from a heart attack through prompt CPR actions, highlighting the impact of quick intervention.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared July 17 as 'National CPR Day' to raise health awareness and promote preparedness in Filipino households. Proclamation 511, signed on March 27, 2024, underscores the importance of CPR as a vital emergency response technique, encouraging Filipinos to acquire the skills needed to handle health emergencies effectively.
The Department of Health (DOH) leads the coordination of National CPR Day activities, promoting S.A.G.I.P., a simple guide for proper CPR:
- S - Survey the scene and check the situation
- A - Assess the victim
- G - Get help. Call 911 or your local emergency hotline
- I - Initiate chest compressions
- P - Place Automated External Defibrillator (AED) pads if available
CPR training is accessible through the Philippine Red Cross and the PHA, which offer regular training sessions and public workshops. Barangay health centers collaborate with hospitals and NGOs to provide free CPR workshops, further promoting emergency preparedness.
