Imagine this: you are in Makola, and suddenly, a sharp cry pierces the air. A person collapses. Panic ensues. Would you know what to do? Could you save a life?

As a newly graduated respiratory therapist at the University of Ghana Medical Center, I  witnessed firsthand the critical role of immediate intervention in medical emergencies. A botched CPR attempt, a delayed response – these can be the difference between life and death. Yet, despite the gravity of such situations, CPR training remains a glaring gap in our public health infrastructure. 

In 2001, Ghana witnessed one of its darkest days in sports history. During a football match in Accra, a stampede caused by police firing tear gas led to the deaths of 126 fans. Many of these deaths were due to compressive asphyxia, exacerbated by improper handling during transport to hospitals. This tragedy highlighted a glaring gap in emergency response training among medical and non-medical personnel.

Globally, sudden cardiac arrest claims millions of lives each year. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Yet, many people, including healthcare professionals, lack the necessary training to perform CPR effectively. Heart attacks, strokes, and drowning incidents claim lives that could potentially be saved. The ability to perform CPR is not just a medical skill; it's a life-saving competency that every individual should possess.

A comprehensive, nationwide CPR training program must be implemented to address this critical issue. Schools, workplaces, and community centers should incorporate CPR training into their curriculum. Public awareness campaigns should emphasize the importance of this life-saving skill. Healthcare providers should be at the forefront of training initiatives, offering their expertise to the community. Healthcare providers must organize regular community workshops to train adults, especially those in high-risk professions.

Critics might also point to the potential for increased anxiety or fear. However, evidence suggests that CPR training, when taught effectively, builds confidence rather than fear. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to act calmly and decisively in a crisis.

Additionally, some may argue that implementing widespread CPR training is costly and time-consuming. However, the cost of inaction is far greater. The loss of lives that could have been saved with proper training is a price we cannot afford to pay. Moreover, investing in CPR training can reduce healthcare costs in the long run by improving survival rates and reducing the need for extensive medical interventions.

We must act now. Governments, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations must collaborate to make CPR training accessible. By 2025, let’s aim to have CPR training as a standard part of education and professional development programs. 

Emergencies don’t wait. They strike without warning, and our best defense is preparedness. By investing in CPR training, we are not merely teaching a skill but saving lives. It is a matter of public health urgency. Every individual has the potential to be a hero. Let’s make CPR training a priority and turn the tide in this public health emergency. Save a life, and you might save your own.