Railway Minister vs The Liver Doctor On CPR
A video shared by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw showcasing CPR being performed on a conscious train passenger has sparked a heated debate online. The video, captioned “Our dedicated Indian Railways’ team,” drew widespread criticism for its apparent lack of medical accuracy.
CPR should be stopped when a person becomes conscious or follows commands, which are signs of return of spontaneous circulation.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 25, 2024
Among the critics was hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as The Liver Doctor on social media, who lambasted the video for showcasing CPR performed incorrectly. Dr Philips stated, “CPR should never be performed on a conscious patient. It’s designed for individuals who are unconscious and not breathing. This video is all sorts of wrong.”
Dear Railways (Reels) Minister, it is imperative that you delete this post of yours. It showcases your lack of medical science literacy, and the utter lack of basic health literacy of the Railways team currently working under you.
At least ask your PR team to take advice from a… https://t.co/gNKsiQsULi
— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) November 25, 2024
He further explained the standard procedure for CPR, which begins only when a person is unconscious and not breathing. The doctor highlighted that attempting CPR on a conscious patient could cause severe harm, including rib fractures and chest trauma.
Sir, you missed the point completely.
CPR should not be given in a conscious patient.
Your railway employee was giving CPR to a conscious patient and that too, in the wrong manner.
The patient was not unconscious to begin with. He was fully conscious and looking at his… https://t.co/MAQWHJzYDd
— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) November 25, 2024
Dr Philips also raised a more serious issue, calling out the railway staff for “stealing a kiss” under the guise of medical aid. He remarked, “The railway employee lip-locked the patient for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while the patient was awake and conversing. This is a clear violation of consent and could be deemed a criminal offence under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code.”
The viral video led to calls for accountability and better training. Dr Philips advised the Railways Minister to enrol staff in certified CPR courses and to consult medical professionals before posting such content.
Responding to the backlash, Vaishnaw defended the team, stating, “CPR should be stopped when a person becomes conscious or shows signs of spontaneous circulation.” However, The Liver Doctor quickly retorted, reiterating that CPR should never have been initiated in this case.
“The patient was fully conscious from the start, and the railway employee’s actions were not just medically incorrect but potentially criminal. The train should have been halted, and the staff member removed until proper training is completed,” Dr Philips stated.
