AHA-certified Basic Life Support (BLS) workshop

Sep 23, 2025

The Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the Resuscitation Training Cell, K S Hegde Hospital in association with the Department of Anaesthesiology, KSHEMA and IIEMS, Kottayam organized an AHA-certified Basic Life Support (BLS) workshop from 23rd to 25th September 2025 at Avishkar Auditorium, ABSMIDS.

The event began with a prayer song by intern Spoorthi, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Prof. (Dr) Padmaraj Hegde, HoD, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Gopinath Tilak P S, BLS Coordinator, briefed the audience on the three-day program, after which Dr. Amrutha Varshini introduced the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Sumalatha R. Shetty, Medical Superintendent, K S Hegde Charitable Hospital. In her address, Prof. (Dr.) Sumalatha Shetty shared valuable insights on the importance of life-saving skills. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anish Nelson.

Vice Dean, Prof. (Dr) M S Ravi, emphasized the significance of BLS training, while Prof. (Dr) Mithra Hegde stressed the necessity for all staff and students to be equipped with these skills to handle emergencies effectively. The program was led by Dr. Sripada Mehandale, Professor, Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Chief Coordinator of the Resuscitation Training Cell, K S Hegde Hospital.

The training team comprised Dr. Shruthi, Dr. Shabeer, Dr. Sagar, Dr. Joanna and Dr. Shanthi Fernandes, along with coordinators from neighbouring colleges, supported by IIEMS representatives Mr. Allen and Mr. Midhun. A total of 165 participants including staff members, final-year postgraduates and BDS & MBBS interns attended the workshop. The intensive program featured certified lectures, video demonstrations and extensive hands-on CPR training using mannequins, concluding with both theory and practical examinations.