May 22, 2025
by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud
Location: Franky Construction Sdn Bhd, Kuantan, Pahang.
A commendable initiative to empower the public with essential life-saving knowledge was carried out on 22nd May 2025 at the Franky Construction Sdn. Bhd. building through a hands-on programme titled “20-Minute BLS Practice with Community.” Organised by the Department of Critical Care Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), with strong support from the Clinical Skills Centre (CSC), this half-day programme formed part of the Kulliyyah’s broader community engagement efforts in conjunction with its 20th Anniversary celebration.
The event successfully drew 75 participants, an impressive mix that extended beyond company employees to include retired teachers, homemakers, and members of the general public, reflecting a growing awareness and interest in emergency preparedness among diverse community segments. The programme was structured to ensure maximum engagement and practical exposure, with participants divided into six smaller groups to facilitate focused and interactive learning. Each group received a brief introductory explanation about the fundamentals of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Following this, every group was given 20 minutes of hands-on practice, allowing each participant the opportunity to perform CPR techniques and AED application on training manikins under direct supervision. During a brief sharing session, Mdm Nor Haslin Farahin, one of the experienced facilitators, offered a meaningful take-home message:
“Programmes like this are incredibly important. Our goal is for every home, office, and workplace to have not just one, but multiple individuals trained in BLS and CPR at all times. Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time — we must ensure we are always prepared.”
Nor Haslin Farahin Abdul Hashim
To ensure quality guidance and foster deeper understanding, the organisers provided five facilitators per group, creating an excellent facilitator-to-participant ratio. This arrangement proved particularly beneficial during the final Q&A session, which saw active participation from attendees. With facilitators embedded in each group, questions were addressed promptly and in detail, leading to fruitful discussions that clarified common misconceptions and boosted participants’ confidence in handling real-life emergency scenarios.
Another facilitator, Dr. Rusila Ruslan, reflected on the psychological barriers many Malaysians face during emergencies:
“As a society, we care deeply and are always willing to help. But when someone collapses in front of us, fear and doubt can set in. People worry about making mistakes or doing the wrong thing. That’s why this kind of exposure is critical — the more we teach and engage, the more confident the public becomes in stepping forward to save lives.”
Dr. Suzilawati Mohamed Arifin, who served as the Programme Manager, highlighted how this event represents a shift in approach to community CPR training:
“In the past, we often invited the public to join our sessions at the Kulliyyah, or we conducted sessions in schools and mosques. But now, with growing awareness of the importance of CPR, we wanted to reach people where they are. This time, we collaborated with Franky Construction and also welcomed the elderly and retirees to join in. What makes this session unique is our emphasis on hands-on training rather than just lectures — we wanted participants to leave feeling capable and confident.”
Dr. Suzilawati Mohamed Ariffin
As the event came to a close, participants expressed a sense of empowerment and readiness. Many shared that it was their first time performing CPR or handling an AED and felt reassured knowing that they could now contribute meaningfully in emergency situations. This initiative not only aligns with the Kulliyyah of Nursing’s vision to foster community engagement but also strengthens its mission to promote health education and awareness among all layers of society. As the Kulliyyah marks two decades of academic and service excellence, this programme stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to service, impact, and care beyond campus walls. With similar programmes planned for the future, IIUM hopes to see an increase in BLS-trained individuals across homes, offices, and public spaces, ensuring that more lives can be saved through timely, knowledgeable action in critical moments.