In an unassuming twist of fate during his usual workday at a petrol station, Misbah Islam experienced a health scare that would change his life forever. Amidst his duties, Misbah began coughing and felt an unsettling discomfort on his left side—a sensation he couldn’t quite shake.
Then, a key moment unfolded: Misbah’s intuition pushed him to ask a colleague to dial an ambulance. It was a decision that would ultimately save his life.
Upon arrival, paramedics swiftly diagnosed Misbah with a heart attack—an unforeseen and terrifying development for the 45-year-old. “No way,” he initially protested, but as the ambulance raced toward Nepean Hospital, he lost consciousness, necessitating resuscitation.
It was only later, in the hushed corridors of the hospital, that nurses revealed the gravity of the situation to Misbah. He had, quite literally, been revived on the edge of life. “They said you’ve gone for a minute or less than a minute,” he recalled, the gravity of those moments still resonating.
Yet, Misbah’s story doesn’t end there. His wife had acquired the knowledge to use a defibrillator, and his children had learned the lifesaving art of CPR. Inspired by this newfound awareness, Misbah hoped that more individuals within his Muslim community would grasp the opportunity to acquire these vital skills. And their chance is coming.
Bringing Lifesaving Skills to Mosques Across Australia
Enter the Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA), a group of dedicated Islamic doctors set on a mission to empower their community with lifesaving knowledge. AIMA has organized free “Lifesaver” sessions, scheduled to take place in mosques across the country. These sessions aim to teach attendees essential skills such as CPR, using a defibrillator, and handling choking incidents.
AIMA’s Vice-President, Omer Shareef, emphasizes the importance of eliminating bystander hesitancy. “Most of the people who come to [the] mosque, their background is from the CALD [culturally and linguistically diverse] community … and they are hesitant to start anything … outside their comfort zone,” Dr. Shareef explains. AIMA’s goal is to empower these individuals, enabling them to step in and help during critical situations.
One key reason behind holding these sessions in mosques is their familiarity and comfort factor. For people from refugee backgrounds, the mosque is a sanctuary where they feel safe. The presence of individuals who speak their language further enhances this sense of security.
Breaking Cultural Barriers
AIMA is also actively encouraging female participation in these sessions to ensure that cultural barriers do not deter women from learning these lifesaving skills. Saadiah Goolam, a Sydney-based ophthalmologist, affirms that their aim is to reach everyone, regardless of their cultural background. These kinds of life-changing moments strike at any place at any time,” she notes.
Furthermore, AIMA’s approach resonates deeply with Islamic principles found in the Qu’ran, which emphasize that saving one person’s life is akin to saving all of humanity. Dr. Shareef believes that instilling this principle will boost the confidence of participants, making them more willing to step forward in public first aid situations.
Misbah Islam considers himself fortunate that his ordeal wasn’t more severe. His message to all is clear: “Don’t wait for the doctor, nurse, or ambos … one second and one minute is very crucial. Everybody should learn this small thing, give 10-15 minutes to learn how to use the defibrillator and how to perform CPR.”
In conclusion, AIMA’s initiative to bring vital first aid training to the heart of Australian Muslim communities is not only empowering but also life-saving. It’s a story of resilience, unity, and the unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one hesitates to lend a helping hand when it matters most.
