With the joint efforts of Yerevan State Medical University and the Henar Foundation, mentors from the American organization Code 3 Life conducted a refresher course for first aid specialists, as a result of which Armenia now has 12 internationally certified instructors. These instructors are currently conducting first aid training courses for various target groups.
All nurses at Mikaelyan University Hospital have already completed this training. The entire medical staff of university-affiliated hospitals, as well as YSMU students, will also participate. According to Associate Professor Ara Ghazaryan, Head of the Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine at YSMU and Medical Director of Mikaelyan University Hospital, it is planned that students of the medical university will undergo this training twice—once in the first year, focusing on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and again in the fifth year, covering the full Basic Life Support (BLS) program.
He noted that an instructor group will operate under the department to provide this training, not only as part of the educational program but also to offer refresher training for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and staff working in critical care and emergency units, including both doctors and nurses.
In this way, a new academic program is being implemented within the medical university, introducing a course aligned with international standards and intended for broad accessibility. Effective first aid can reduce mortality by three to four times. Cardiovascular diseases rank first among the leading causes of death worldwide, and in recent years, the number of fatalities from injuries has also increased significantly.
Dr. Ghazaryan notes that accidental events, rather than chronic illnesses, often lead to death, and that the victims are frequently young and otherwise healthy individuals. He explains that in the context of today’s fast-paced lifestyle and increased environmental risks, such accidents have, unfortunately, become more common. In response, new regulations and protocols are being developed and implemented with the aim of saving lives. In this framework, Basic Life Support training becomes especially important.
He emphasizes the importance of the so-called “golden hour” during emergencies, in which the timely and appropriate provision of first aid can determine the difference between life and death. Providing such aid does not necessarily require medical education—basic knowledge and specific practical skills are sufficient. According to research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), accurate and timely first aid can reduce mortality by a factor of three to four.
The culture of first aid is being introduced in Armenia as well. In several countries, healthcare systems are actively working to establish a culture of first aid by ensuring the availability of necessary resources. Recently, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed in central areas of Yerevan. These devices are used in cases of cardiac arrest. However, operating an AED requires a degree of training, and Yerevan State Medical University plays a crucial role in delivering that training.
The first aid training includes assessment of vital functions—such as heart activity and breathing—and, if necessary, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This process requires three essential components: knowledge, skills, and access to a defibrillator. The course lasts only six hours, and during this short period, it is possible to teach any individual over the age of 18 the skills necessary to save a life, says Dr. Ghazaryan, adding that in many countries around the world, a culture of first aid has long been established in crowded public areas.
It is calculated that AEDs should be installed no more than 300 meters apart, so that responders do not lose valuable time bringing the device to the scene. Additionally, in a number of high-risk locations—such as gyms, entertainment centers, and shopping malls—the presence of AEDs has become mandatory.
For example, in Germany, passing a first aid examination is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a driver’s license. Moreover, if a driver fails to stop and provide first aid during an accident, they may be held legally accountable. Dr. Ghazaryan emphasizes that with only a six-hour training course, it is possible to save a human life—and this is knowledge that everyone should possess.