The Family Apostolate Animation Team of the Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler organised a “Heart Hero” Workshop on Compression Only Life Support (COLS) on Sunday, 15th February 2026. The initiative was spearheaded by the Indian Medical Association – Goa Unit and promoted by the World Apostolate of Fatima. It marked the first workshop of its kind in Bardez and drew participation from more than 70 individuals.
The workshop was organised in keeping with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, observed on 11th February, often invoked as the guardian of health. Mr. Lester Melo, Chairman of the World Apostolate of Fatima, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to initiatives that foster both spiritual growth and social responsibility within communities.
Designed especially for laypersons, the session focused on equipping ordinary citizens with the confidence and skills to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. Emphasising that the first three minutes after a sudden collapse are critical, the doctors explained how immediate chest compressions by a family member or bystander can significantly improve survival rates before professional medical assistance arrives.
Participants were divided into three groups for hands-on training and practiced the Compression Only Life Support technique on mannequins. Each participant received individual guidance, practical tips and corrective feedback, ensuring that the learning experience was interactive and impactful.
The training was led by Dr. Sandeep Naik, President of IMA Bardez Branch, along with Dr. Shailesh Hede and Dr. Hemant Parsekar, who shared their expertise in emergency response, trauma care and life support systems.
The workshop received an enthusiastic response from parishioners and served as a powerful reminder that life-saving heroes are often ordinary individuals equipped with the right knowledge, compassion and willingness to act. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer doctors, coordinators and participants for making the initiative both meaningful and inspiring.
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