Nov 24, 2024 08:58 PM IST
A controversial video shared by the Railway Ministry highlights a TTE‘s attempt to save a 70-year-old passenger’s life, sparking backlash from the medical community.
The Railway Ministry recently posted a video on X, showcasing a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a 70-year-old passenger who was reportedly experiencing a heart attack. However, the clip, which quickly went viral, did not receive the anticipated praise from medical professionals on social media, who criticized the actions of the TTE as misleading and inappropriate.
In the footage shared by the Railways on X, the TTE is seen administering chest compressions to the elderly man, who is laying on a lower berth inside the train. While the 70-year-old appears to be awake and conscious, he looks visibly distressed as the man recording the video inquires about his condition and when he began feeling unwell.
As the passenger responds to the question, the TTE persistently continues his CPR efforts, performing chest thrusts and even attempting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. “While travelling in the general coach of train number 15708 ‘Amrapali Express’, a 70-year-old passenger suffered a heart attack. The TTE deployed there immediately gave CPR and saved the life of the passenger. The passenger was then sent to the hospital at Chhapra railway station,” the post on X proudly proclaimed.
Take a look at the video here:
Although many would assume that the footage would garner admiration for the Railways official, a number of doctors utilized social media to express their outrage at the TTE’s actions and the Railway Ministry’s decision to publicize the event.
What made the doctors angry?
Medical professionals clarified that performing CPR on an alert individual is a breach of established medical protocols and can potentially worsen the patient’s condition. They labeled the video as misleading and called for its removal to prevent the dissemination of incorrect information regarding this critical life-saving technique.
“Performing CPR on a patient who is conscious is very dangerous and wrong. This is no joke. CPR is a life-saving procedure. Please delete this video so that people don’t lose lives over misinformation,” a group of doctors vehemently expressed.
Dr. Nawazish Khan added, “CPR is not performed on conscious patients. The procedure is reserved exclusively for those who are unresponsive & not breathing or have an ineffective pulse. Performing CPR on a conscious patient violates medical protocols & can result in legal liability for the responder.”
In a related development, an activist stated that he has submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request to the ministry, seeking clarity on the TTE’s medical training and details regarding the Railway’s investigation into the incident. “I have filed an RTI request for information about this so-called CPR. Hope the Ministry of Railway will respond properly,” he remarked.
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How can training and awareness initiatives improve the appropriate use of CPR in emergency situations, according to Dr. Anjali Sharma?
**Interview with Dr. Anjali Sharma, Cardiologist, on the Controversial CPR Incident Involving a TTE**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sharma. We want to discuss a video that’s been making waves on social media. The Railway Ministry shared footage of a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) performing CPR on a 70-year-old passenger during a train journey, but the clip has drawn significant criticism from the medical community. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
**Dr. Sharma**: Thank you for having me. This incident raises several important concerns regarding the proper execution of CPR. While the intention of the TTE to help was commendable, there are critical details about the situation that the video fails to address. CPR is a life-saving intervention, but it must be applied correctly and at the appropriate moments.
**Interviewer**: Indeed, many medical professionals have labeled the actions of the TTE as misleading. Can you elaborate on what these concerns might be?
**Dr. Sharma**: Absolutely. In the video, the elderly passenger appears to be conscious and is responding to questions, yet the TTE is performing CPR. This raises the question: if the person is responsive, then standard CPR—which is typically indicated for unresponsive individuals who are not breathing—may not have been necessary. It’s crucial to evaluate the patient’s state before commencing such a serious intervention. Moreover, improper CPR, like unnecessary chest compressions on a responsive individual, can cause additional harm [[1](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/circ.102.suppl_1.I-12)].
**Interviewer**: So you’re saying there could be risks involved in incorrectly administering CPR?
**Dr. Sharma**: Yes, exactly. Misapplied CPR can lead to complications, including broken ribs or internal injuries. This incident highlights the need for proper training and protocols, especially in emergency situations. CPR is a skill that saves lives, but only when performed correctly under the right circumstances. The ethical implications here are significant—the goal of any intervention, including CPR, is to avoid causing more harm to the patient [[1](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/circ.102.suppl_1.I-12)].
**Interviewer**: What do you think should be done moving forward to address these concerns within the railway system and beyond?
**Dr. Sharma**: Increased training for staff in emergency response is essential. Organizations should ensure that personnel, like TTEs, understand not just how to perform CPR but also when it is appropriate to do so. Incorporating advanced first-aid training and regular refresher courses can make a significant difference. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns about recognizing cardiac emergencies can empower bystanders to act more wisely in stressful situations.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your insights. It’s clear that while helping others is noble, understanding the correct protocols is crucial to prevent unintended consequences.
**Dr. Sharma**: Thank you for having me. It’s vital we continue these conversations to improve emergency response protocols for everyone’s safety and well-being.
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