PRAYER callers across Bahrain’s mosques could be provided with first aid training for quick intervention during medical emergencies.
The proposal by Muharraq Municipal Council member Ahmed Al Meghawi, if approved, would see muezzins (prayer callers) enrolled in intensive first aid courses conducted by the Bahrain Health and Safety Society or the Bahrain Red Crescent Society.
Mr Al Meghawi is also seeking to provide the same training for ma’atam (religious community halls) caretakers.
“Medical emergencies can happen anytime, at any place including mosques or ma’atams,” said Mr Al Meghawi.
Emergency
“We have had a few instances some years ago of people suffering cardiac arrests and seizures at places of worship. Other worshippers may panic and rush to their rescue, however, many of them lack basic first-aid skills that can make the difference between life and death in those initial minutes before trained emergency medical responders arrive.”
According to medics, if someone suffers a cardiac arrest, it’s vital they receive immediate CPR – manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation that involves repeated pushing down on the chest – to give them the best chance of survival.
“There has to be a person in the mosque or ma’atam who is professionally trained to handle such emergencies until the ambulance arrives,” he said.
Another option could be making defibrillators available. They are normally located in workplaces and public spaces around the world like airports, shopping centres and community centres. These defibrillators are known as public access defibrillators (PADs) as anyone can use them when trained. Research shows that using one within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest can mean survival rates are as high as 50-70 per cent.
The GDN reported in April this year that volunteers struggled to control crowds flocking to mosques – with some allegedly refusing to show their vaccination or recovery certificates or maintain social distancing during prayers despite repeated pleas.
MPs at the time made the call for police to be deployed at Bahrain’s places of worship to tackle crowds and run Covid-19 checks.
Mr Al Meghawi indicated that volunteers could serve as initial responders during emergencies. However, he added that they may not show up at every prayer or mass activities and hence a trained personnel was vital for mosques.
The councillor also called for a nationwide campaign to provide first-aid training for employees at offices, businesses and outlets, while forcing shops to have first aid kits.
Mr Al Salloom
Bahrain Parliamentary Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom backed the proposal.
However, he added that first aid training for businesses and outlets should be left to the discretion of its owners.
A senior Bahraini MP had in 2017 branded Bahrain’s mosques as potential health hazards.
Parliament services committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari, who is Al Asala (Salfist) Parliamentary Bloc president, demanded requirements to install smoke detectors, fire sensors and extinguishers, surveillance cameras, first aid kits and emergency exits at all mosques, ma’atams and Quran learning centres.
He also called for special facilities and ramps for the disabled to deal with emergencies, as well as designated car parks.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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