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The Economics of Emergency Care

First Responders and Training

How training ordinary people in CPR and first aid saves lives, the shortage of trained paramedics, and community first responder programmes.

First responders can save lives before ambulances arrive.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) keeps blood flowing after cardiac arrest.

Training

Few Indians know CPR or first aid; campaigns aim to train millions.

Paramedics

India has a shortage of trained paramedics.

Community responders

Programmes train police, drivers and volunteers as first responders.

AEDs

Automated external defibrillators in public places, like airports, can restart hearts.

Economics

Training creates positive externalities: trained people help others.

The CPR save

A trained office worker performs CPR on a colleague who collapses, keeping him alive until paramedics arrive.

Thinking only doctors can save lives in emergencies

Trained bystanders help.

Key takeaways
  • CPR saves lives.
  • Few Indians are trained.
  • Paramedics are scarce.
  • AEDs in public places help.
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