Nitte University’s Department of Public Health trains bikers in CPR and First Aid

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 26, 2026: Thirty bikers from the Tulunadu chapter of Riding Brotherhood, a pan-India riding community, underwent hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid at Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, on September 19.

The full-day programme was organised by the Department of Public Health, Nitte (Deemed to be University), in association with the Nitte Medical Simulation Centre (NU MEDISiM), K S Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), with the support of Riding Brotherhood.

The programme focused on equipping bikers with essential emergency-response skills, considering that riders are often among the first people to reach an accident or roadside emergency before professional medical assistance arrives.

Participants received practical training in adult, child and infant CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), choking management, bleeding and wound care, burns, fractures, immobilisation, shock, fainting and safe patient handling. They also participated in simulated emergency scenarios based on situations they could encounter while riding or in everyday life.

The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Sripada G. Mehendale, Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology and Coordinator-in-Charge of NU MEDISiM; Dr. Shruthi K. T., Assistant Coordinator, NU MEDISiM; Prof. (Dr.) Mackwin D’Mello, Coordinator, Department of Public Health and Chairperson of the workshop; and Mr. Jupiter Lobo, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health and Organising Secretary. Dr. Ashith P. C., Public Health Specialist and Public Health Professional, was also associated with the programme.

The initiative brought together public health professionals and motorcycle riders with a focus on emergency preparedness and road safety. The idea was developed through Jupiter Lobo, who is also a biker and member of the Harley Owners Group, and his interaction with Nikhil Thingalaya, Founder and Administrator of Riding Brotherhood.

“Accidents can happen to anyone, anytime, and in those critical moments, knowing what to do can make a real difference,” Thingalaya said. He stressed that rider safety should extend beyond helmets and protective equipment, as bikers may often be among the first responders at accident sites.

“Learning CPR and first aid gives us the ability to potentially help a fellow rider, a friend, a family member or even a stranger when they need it the most,” he added.

The practical sessions were led by Prof. (Dr.) Sripada G. Mehendale and Dr. Shruthi K. T., with support from Sr. Judy, Sr. Jacintha and Br. Santhosh. Participants practised CPR and emergency-response techniques under supervision and received individual feedback to improve their skills and confidence.

Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted to evaluate the participants’ learning, and all participants received certificates upon completion.

As part of the initiative, the Department of Public Health presented each rider with a custom-designed First Aid and CPR Badge of Honour to be worn on riding jackets as a symbol of emergency preparedness. Denin Tom Abraham, who scored the highest in the programme, received a safety helmet light sponsored by Phantom Code.

The Department of Public Health said it plans to extend similar CPR and first-aid training programmes to other community groups as part of its efforts to take essential life-saving skills beyond hospitals and healthcare professionals.

The initiative aims to build a wider network of citizens equipped to respond effectively during emergencies.