Kapurthala : Dhilwan, foundation Punjab — In response to the rising number of cardiac-related deaths in Punjab, the Dhillon Foundation, chaired by Baldev Singh Dhillon, has launched a major initiative to install defibrillators and deliver life-saving training across rural
communities throughout the state.The programme begins in the village of Dhilwan (Kapurthala) as a pilot project, with plans to expand to other villages across Punjab in the coming years. The initiative focuses on improving emergency response during cardiac arrest—particularly in rural areas where access to immediate medical care is limited.Backed by an open-ended pledge to support life-saving infrastructure and training, the Dhillon Foundation will install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in accessible community locations and provide structured Basic Life Support (BLS) training.As part of this effort, the Foundation is collaborating with CMC Hospital Ludhiana to deliver certified training sessions. These sessions will equip participants with essential, life-saving skills, including performing high-quality CPR, using an AED correctly, and responding effectively in emergency situations. Training will be offered to school students aged 15 and above, as well as members of the wider public.Cardiovascular diseases account for an estimated 30–35% of all deaths in Punjab, representing tens of thousands of lives lost each year. Medical research shows that survival chances decrease by 7–10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation. Immediate use of a defibrillator can significantly improve outcomes, yet many cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals—often in homes or villages where equipment and trained responders are not available.Chairman Baldev Singh Dhillon said: “This initiative is very close to my heart. I lost both my father-in-law and my brother-in-law to cardiac arrest in Punjab. In both cases, there was a lack of immediate response and life-saving equipment. It’s moments like that which make you realise what if there was adequate CPR and a defibrillator in the village, those that have passed may have still been with us. No family should have to go through such loss when solutions exist. Our goal is to ensure that every village is equipped and every individual is empowered to act in an emergency. Saving even one life makes this effort worthwhile.”The initiative aims to bridge a critical gap in rural healthcare by ensuring that both equipment and knowledge are available within communities. Villages often rely on distant urban hospitals during emergencies, leading to delays that can prove fatal.The Dhillon Foundation is inviting villages, schools, and community leaders across Punjab to partner in this programme. By working together, the initiative seeks to build a scalable, community-driven model that can be replicated across the state.The launch in Dhilwan represents a significant step towards creating safer, more prepared communities—where timely intervention can save lives and prevent avoidable tragedies.
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