Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela on Monday underlined the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), urging everyone to familiarise with the practice.

He spoke ahead of “World Restart A Heart Day”, an annual event held on October 16 aimed at raising public awareness on cardiopulmonary diseases and how to deal with potential emergencies outside of hospital.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the biggest problems facing modern society and every health system around the world,” he said.

“Every year in Europe, around 275,000 people sudden cardiac arrest incidents are recorded outside of hospital, almost one every two minutes.

“Around half of the incidents take place in the presence of one or more people, so familiarising with CPR practice is of paramount importance.”

Hadjipantela said that from October 10 to 16 a series of planned events will take place around the island in an attempt to give information and safe practices for the public.

“We are also planning to teach people how to use a defibrillator, in addition to teaching them CPR. This year’s motto is ‘You Can Do It Too’ and it is all part of a campaign coordinated by the health ministry’s resuscitation services,” he said, adding that neither administering CPR or using a defibrillator are complicated procedures.

“I believe it is everyone’s duty to familiarise with both the CPR practice and the defibrillators, in order to arm ourselves with crucial skills that could save a life,” Hadjipantela said.