The Lifesavers program was started by the British Islamic Medical Association in 2013, and has since spread to >20 countries. It is a free Basic Life Support course that is held at local mosques and is open to members of the public

It was held for the first time in New Zealand in 2024, and this event would serve as the basis for establishing IMANZ

We successfully delivered the course in 7 mosques across Auckland, Hamilton, Whanganui, New Plymouth and Wellington. These sessions taught the basic principles of DRS ABCD, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, how to rescue someone who is choking, and the recovery position

For many of the attendees, this was their first exposure to these skills and their first experience performing chest compressions on a manikin

By teaching these vital skills, we hope to benefit both our communities and the wider New Zealand public

We plan to deliver this program again on a regular basis

The 2024 event was reported by local news outlets:

Save one life, save humanity: Muslim medics’ first aid push - Waikato Times

‘Minutes are important’ - teaching life-saving basics - The Post