CPR Awareness in Saudi Arabia: A Silent Emergency We Need to Talk About
Introduction
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the difference between life and death often comes down to one thing: how fast someone nearby starts CPR.
Rapid response, early activation of emergency services, and immediate chest compressions are proven to dramatically improve survival — yet most people in Saudi Arabia aren't prepared to take action when it matters most.
This realization hit me recently as I began reading global research about BLS (Basic Life Support) and CPR awareness. The statistics were alarming and Saudi Arabia is no exception. Despite the growing number of BLS-certified professionals, I’ve seen firsthand how most people only pursue this training to meet job requirements. When it comes to spreading awareness or empowering the public, efforts are minimal.
The core problem isn’t just lack of access to training it’s the lack of awareness and understanding of why CPR matters for everyone, not just healthcare workers. In this post, I want to explore why that gap exists and what we can do about it.
A recent study found that the general population in Jeddah scored below average in their basic life support (BLS) knowledge.
What the Research Tells Us?
Despite how critical CPR is in saving lives, most people in Saudi Arabia don’t have the knowledge or the confidence to perform it. This isn’t just my opinion; the research confirms it across different regions and groups.
For example, a 2023 study in Al-Kharj found that although teachers had a positive attitude toward CPR education, there were still major knowledge gaps. The authors saw this as a key opportunity for targeted interventions — especially since these are people who interact with children daily.
Another study from Jazan University revealed that students scored an average of just 5.3 out of 15 on BLS knowledge. Even among health science students, there were surprising deficiencies. Notably, students of EMS had the highest scores, while nursing students had the lowest — showing that even within healthcare-related fields, training is inconsistent.
In Jeddah, a 2021 study assessing the public’s awareness showed similar results: low knowledge, limited confidence, but an overwhelmingly positive attitude toward learning CPR. This means people want to learn — they just haven’t had the chance or support.
Together, these studies paint a clear picture:
The knowledge is low, but the interest and willingness are there.
We’re not facing resistance — we’re facing a gap in access and public prioritization.
Why This Matters to Everyone?
CPR and first aid aren’t just healthcare responsibilities — they are life skills.
This isn’t only about hospitals or ambulances. It’s about our families, our loved ones — and ourselves. One day, anyone could be the victim of a sudden cardiac arrest, and the people around them may be the only chance they have.
One experience that still resonates with me is something I heard from a school staff member. During a casual discussion about organizing a first aid course for students, I asked, “What should we focus on?” What they told me was heartbreaking.
A young child — just 8 years old — choked on food during a school break. Out of all the teachers, students, and staff present… no one knew what to do.
For nearly 30 minutes, panic and confusion replaced action.
By the time EMS arrived, the child had no pulse or signs of breathing.
And by the time he reached the hospital, it was too late.
The tragic part is, this wasn’t a remote village or a rare situation. This happened in a normal school — in a normal city. And it happened because of a false belief that only healthcare workers need to learn CPR or first aid. Many people assume, “Someone else will know what to do,” or “My cousin is a nurse — that’s enough.”
But it’s not enough.
Emergencies don’t wait until a trained medic is nearby. They happen in homes, schools, workplaces — and whoever is standing there in that moment becomes the first responder, whether they’re ready or not.
What We Can Do About It?
Thankfully, the efforts to improve public CPR awareness are growing. The Saudi government, healthcare institutions, and many volunteer organizations have already taken big steps forward. In fact, recent studies show something encouraging — people want to learn.
But here’s the problem:
There’s still a gap between interest and action. Many people are willing to learn CPR and first aid, but they don’t know where to go, how to start, or whether they’re “allowed” to take that step.
What we need is a stronger push — and more visibility.
In my opinion, every household in Saudi Arabia should have at least one licensed person trained in CPR and first aid. Ideally, someone who can teach those basic skills to the rest of the family. This becomes even more critical in homes with elderly members or young children — the two age groups most vulnerable in emergencies.
And it shouldn’t stop at families. Companies, shops, schools, and malls should all have at least one trained person who’s not just certified but willing to share what they know with those around them.
Yes, there are plenty of videos and guides online — and they’re useful — but nothing replaces hands-on practice, especially for techniques like chest compressions or choking response. That’s why in-person, free (or low-cost) training opportunities are so important. And yes, video-based awareness campaigns still have a major role to play — they’re an accessible way to reach millions.
The bottom line is this:
We don’t need everyone to become medics — we just need more people ready to act in those first, critical moments.
Conclusion: A Life Could Depend on You
When we talk about CPR and first aid, we’re not talking about rare emergencies or distant events. We’re talking about real people, real families — and real chances to save lives.
The research shows us the gap. The stories show us the cost. And the solution doesn’t have to be complicated.
It starts with awareness, continues with accessible training, and grows when everyday people take responsibility — not just for themselves, but for their communities.
If you’re reading this, I encourage you to:
Learn the basics of CPR and first aid.
Share what you know.
Talk to your school, your workplace, or your community about offering training.
And if you’re already certified — be the one who teaches others.
You never know whose life you might help save — or who might save yours.
References:
Abbas, H. A., Khudari, S. Y., Almalki, R. H., Abed, R. T., Sait, S. A., & Sulaiman, A. A. (2021). Public knowledge and attitude toward basic life support in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 8, 1082–1090.
Ahmad, A., Akhter, N., Mandal, R. K., Areeshi, M. Y., Lohani, M., Irshad, M., ... & Haque, S. (2018). Knowledge of basic life support among the students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: is it adequate to save a life? Alexandria Journal of Medicine, 54(4), 555–559.
AlQahtani, N. T., Albassam, A. M., Alonzi, T. H., Al-Harbi, O., Alshamma, A. R., Alhamdan, H. A., ... & Alenzi, A. S. (2023). Assessment of basic life support (BLS) knowledge and awareness among teachers in Al-Kharj City, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Health Sciences, 7(S1), 3038–3049.
Subki, A. H., Mortada, H. H., Alsallum, M. S., Alattas, A. T., Almalki, M. A., Hindi, M. M., ... & Alhejily, W. A. (2018). Basic life support knowledge among a nonmedical population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. Interactive Journal of Medical Research, 7(2), e10428.
