Introduction:
HAPSA Nepal is committed to promoting life-saving skills through hands-only CPR and choking first aid training across the country. To date, our team has conducted sessions in several districts, including Kathmandu, Achham, Solukhumbu, Gulmi, Jajarkot, Mugu, and Mustang. Our primary focus is on empowering particularly frontline responders such as members of the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force (APF), and the Nepal Army, with the knowledge and confidence to act during emergencies.
Our Latest Training
On January 14, 2026, we conducted a Basic Life Support (BLS) training session at the Nepal APF Battalion No. 20 HQ, Sinamangal, Kathmandu. The session covered hands-only CPR and choking first aid to equip the APF officers with the skills needed to respond to life-threatening cardiac arrest situations, training a total of 26 participants. Participants then underwent a skills assessment to demonstrate what they had learned. After successfully completing both the training and the assessment, all participants received a certificate of completion. 
Basic Life Support Skills for Police Officers
On March 7, 2024, representatives from Nepal Police and HAPSA Nepal met at the Disaster Management Office (DMO), Samakhusi, Kathmandu, and agreed on the urgent need for nationwide basic life support (BLS) training, including CPR and choking first-aid for all police officials. The initiative recognizes police as key first responders, especially in disaster-prone areas.
The 'Basic Life Support Skills for Police Officers' program was inaugurated on June 26, 2024, by AIG Kiran Bajracharya, SSP Tara Devi Thapa, Dr. Kamal Thapa, and HAPSA Nepal President Mr. Pankaj Bhattarai. The first phase (June 26-July 19) included 9 sessions and 246 participants. A notable session on July 3 at Nepal Police HQ gathered 30 high-ranking officials. It sparked key discussions on CPR ethics and the need for Good Samaritan laws to protect bystanders offering aid.
Disaster Response Preparedness Training in Rukum Paschim
On 10-11 September 2024, in partnership with Nyaya Health Nepal (NHN), we conducted disaster response preparedness sessions on Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and choking management for staff members of the Nepal Police and Nepal Armed Forces in Rukum Paschim. The training aimed to strengthen emergency response capacity in remote regions by equipping frontline personnel with essential life-saving skills.
We partnered with the Nepal Police to ensure frontline officers are equipped with essential life-saving skills, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR. This initiative is part of our commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness in Nepal. A total of 62 participants attended the two separate one-day training sessions-28 on the first day and 34 on the second.
Hands-only CPR and Choking First Aid Training in Musikot Municipality, Gulmi
On December 7, 2024, we conducted hands-only CPR and choking first aid training in Musikot Municipality, Gulmi. The session aimed to equip frontline responders and local teachers with essential lifesaving skills. A total of 43 Nepal Police officers and teachers actively participated. Their enthusiasm and engagement made the training highly impactful.
Rural Healthcare Promotion Program in Bayalpata Hospital, Achham, Nepal
Nyaya Health Nepal (NHN) organized a 2-day 'Rural Healthcare Promotion Program' workshop and conference in Bayalpata Hospital in collaboration with the MoSD Sudurpaschim Health Office, Achham, on April 25-26, 2025. Topics covered included eFAST, hands-only CPR, and choking first-aid, community preparedness, burn management, patient transfer, and management of spinal, chest, abdominal, head, and orthopedic injuries. The hands-only CPR and choking first-aid session was attended by 28 participants. Another training session was held on November 26, 2025, for Nepal Police, Nepal APF, and DAO staff in coordination with the CDO office, with a total of 35 participants.
Collaboration with Nepal APF Hospital for Hands-Only CPR and Choking Training
HAPSA Nepal and the Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Hospital, Balambu, formalized their collaboration on April 21, 2025, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance emergency response capacity through hands-only CPR and choking first-aid training for APF personnel. The first training session was held on May 16, with 46 participants in attendance. Dr. Kamal Thapa, Dr. Santosh Thapa, and Dr. Rajesh Sharma served as trainers. The subsequent 25 training sessions had a total of 1,006 participants. Attendees included APF officers, doctors, nurses, paramedics, school teachers and staff, as well as athletes, players, and coaches. Feedback primarily highlighted the theory and practical sessions as highly engaging and effective.
Collaborative Initiative with Judiciary, Nepal APF Hospital, and Nyayadhish Pariwar Samuha: Hands-Only CPR and Choking First Aid Training
HAPSA Nepal, in collaboration with the Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Hospital and Nyayadhish Pariwar Samuha, launched a specialized training program for the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts. The initiative aims to strengthen emergency response capacity within the judiciary through Hands-Only CPR and Choking First Aid Training. The inaugural session was held at the Supreme Court, Maitighar, on August 27, 2025, with 50 participants, facilitated by Ms. Kritika Bhandari (HAPSA Nepal), Dr. Binay Adhikari (APF), and Dr. Sri Ram KC (APF). A follow-up session at the High Court, Patan, on September 5, 2025, engaged 45 participants, including justices, judges, court staff, drivers, and support personnel. Combining practical demonstrations with theoretical instruction, the program received highly positive feedback, with participants recognizing its value in enhancing essential life-saving skills within the judiciary.
Enhancing Emergency Preparedness in Rural Nepal: CPR and Choking First Aid Training
We have collaborated with the Health Service Office (HSO), Humla Hospital to provide hands-only CPR and choking first aid training to frontline responders. This effort is part of our ongoing commitment to improve emergency preparedness in Nepal's remote regions. A total of 47 individuals participated in two one-day training sessions: 25 on the first day and 22 on the second. Day 1 attendees included female community health volunteers (FCHVs), nurses, and OT and anesthesia assistants, while Day 2 was attended by Nepal Police officers.
CERT Launch Paired with the First School-Based Emergency Training
After the rollout of our mobile application CERT: Community Emergency Response Toolkit, we conducted the pilot hands-only CPR and choking response training at Durbar High School in Ranipokhari, the oldest educational institution in Nepal. Held on November 19, 2025, this was the first training of its kind conducted in a public school. The session engaged 29 participants, including teachers, staff, and several high school students. Feedback was strongly positive. This event marks an important step for national emergency preparedness, reinforcing the need to integrate such training into high school curricula in line with the American Heart Association's 2020 recommendations.
Expanding Emergency Readiness in Private Educational Institutions
Our team delivered a hands-only CPR and choking response workshop at Balmiki International School in Dhangadhi, working closely with the school's leadership and principal. This marked our first formal partnership with a private school outside of the Kathmandu valley. The session took place on November 23, 2025, and trained 41 members of the school community, including teachers, administrative staff, kitchen personnel, and the school nurse. The session was facilitated by Dr. Santosh Thapa with support from trainer Ms. Kritika Bhandari. Participant feedback was strongly positive, and both sides have expressed interest in extending the training to the remaining staff as well as conducting future reinforcement sessions.
Launching a Multi-Stakeholder Initiative for Community Emergency Training
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, HAPSA Nepal Bhaskar-Tejshree Memorial Foundation (BTMF), Shree Nanda Kishor Prativa Pratisthan, and Mahalaxmi Municipality initiated a joint effort to strengthen community readiness through routine hands-only CPR and choking response training. The first session under this collaboration was conducted on November 29, 2025, at the Sabha Hall of the municipality office. The program opened with remarks from Mayor Hari Govinda Shrestha and invited guests Prof. Dr. Rita Thapa, Dr. Nanda Kishor Shrestha, and Mr. Pankaj Bhattarai. A total of 29 participants attended, including municipal staff, teachers, support staff, and nurses from nearby schools. Attendees were highly engaged, provided strong positive feedback, and emphasized the value of ongoing refresher sessions.
