LUCKNOW, May 20 -- To better the role of police in public safety, Lucknow Police Commissionerate is training its personnel to act as first responders in medical emergencies. With police officials usually being the first to arrive at the scene of an accident and medical crisis, this move aims to equip them with life-saving skills that could make the critical difference during the "golden hour", a police note read. More than 200 police personnel participated in the first round of training that was organised by a private hospital in the city recently, the note added. "As part of this initiative, police officers receive intensive hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), oxygen level measurement, and BP monitoring. The training is designed to prepare them to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations such as when someone suffers cardiac arrest," said Amrendra K Sengar, the city police commissioner. He added: "Police personnel are often the first to arrive at the scene of an accident or medical emergency. By equipping them with life-saving skills, we are ensuring the best possible use of the golden hour. It is a major step in multi-skilling our force." More than 200 police personnel participated in the first round of training that was organised by a private hospital in the city recently, the note added. Following the success of the first phase, the commissionerate has announced that the programme will now be extended to all 58 police stations under it. Regular courses, digital learning modules, and refresher training will be provided to sustain and enhance personnel skill sets. "In a country where over 1.7 lakh people suffer cardiac arrest each year, having trained people on the front lines can help reduce deaths and build greater trust between police and the public," said Dr Rakesh Kapoor, the director of the hospital with which an MoU has been signed....