URGENT UPDATE: Over 100 community members gathered at Lakemba Mosque on September 27, 2025, for the Lifesavers Program 2025, an initiative designed to equip families with critical life-saving skills. The event, hosted by the Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) in partnership with the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), is part of the global FIMA initiative, focused on enhancing community resilience through practical training.
The two-hour session, held right after Dhuhur prayer, was packed with energy as participants learned essential techniques in bystander CPR, the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and choking management. Grounded in the Qur’anic ethic of saving lives, the training emphasized practical skills that can dramatically improve survival rates in emergencies.
Participants engaged in live demonstrations and hands-on practice, ensuring they left the mosque with the confidence to act in critical situations. With alarming statistics indicating that eight out of ten cardiac arrests in Australia happen at home, the urgency of this training cannot be overstated. Immediate action can triple survival odds, turning bystanders into empowered first responders.
Senior LMA representative Khaled Kamalmaz expressed the event’s impact, stating,
“Today showed what our community can achieve when faith and service come together.”
He praised AIMA for their professionalism and commitment, highlighting the importance of providing families with practical skills to save lives at home.
AIMA and LMA thanked St John Ambulance for their invaluable support, which included live demonstrations and the provision of training equipment. To further incentivize participation, ten lucky draw winners received free online training programs in either CPR or first aid.
The event concluded with a community sausage sizzle, where attendees mingled, shared experiences, and eagerly discussed plans for future training sessions. The enthusiasm was palpable, with many participants asking, “When’s the next course?” This enthusiasm underscores the potential for sustained community engagement in life-saving practices.
Lakemba Mosque was one of several venues participating in the Lifesavers 2025 program on the same day, with similar events occurring across various masjids and Islamic centers throughout Australia. This collective effort is a testament to the commitment to community health and safety, fostering a culture of preparedness and response.
As this initiative continues, community members are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming sessions and to take advantage of these invaluable life-saving opportunities. The Lifesavers Program is not just about skills; it’s about building a resilient community ready to act when it matters most.
Stay tuned for more updates on future training events and community initiatives that aim to save lives and empower individuals with essential skills.
