Emergencies can happen anywhere, and knowing how to respond can save lives. To help individuals be better equipped during emergencies, BAPS Charities organized a health awareness lecture in Toronto, ON, on March 8, 2025, to educate the community on life-saving skills. The lecture, led by Dr. Yagnesh Parekh, focused on essential first aid measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and responding to choking incidents.
Attendees learned about the importance of recognizing medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and life-threatening bleeding. The session emphasized quick decision-making, calling emergency services, and taking immediate action to provide aid. Practical demonstrations helped participants understand CPR techniques, AED usage, and the Heimlich maneuver for choking victims.
The discussion also covered preparedness strategies, including assembling first aid kits, maintaining an emergency contact list, and understanding the warning signs of medical distress. Special attention was given to opioid overdose responses as well as stroke identification using the FAST method.
This health lecture is part of BAPS Charities’ effort to enhance health education within the community, empowering individuals with life-saving skills and the confidence to respond in critical situations.
