Resuscitation Club

The Resuscitation Club of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was established by a group of passionate and dedicated medical students with a shared interest in advancing their knowledge and skills in Resuscitation Science, particularly Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) under the guidance of Dr. Kavya Boteju, Consultant Anaesthetist and Senior Lecturer of physiology. Driven by a strong sense of responsibility and enthusiasm, the club aims to foster a community where life-saving techniques are learned, practiced, and promoted actively among medical students and beyond.

Vision

  • To ensure that every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to
  • respond effectively during life-threatening emergencies by cultivating a culture of preparedness and excellence in resuscitation.

Mission

  • To provide a platform for learning and practicing resuscitation techniques for students and staff of FMS and other faculties
  • To collaborate with other organizations to promote awareness on BLS among the general public

Events

“Restart a Heart”: First Event by the Resuscitation Club

The Resuscitation Club of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, successfully organized its inaugural event a hands-on CPR workshop titled “Restart a Heart.” The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Nilmini Wijesuriya, Chair of the Resuscitation Council of Sri Lanka.

Held on the 5th of December 2024 at the Anatomy Auditorium, the event saw the enthusiastic participation of approximately 60 students from 29th to 33rd batches. The interactive session offered students the valuable opportunity to practice Basic Life Support (BLS) skills in a realistic setting.

The workshop was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Students expressed great enthusiasm and appreciated the chance to gain practical experience in life-saving techniques. Judging by the response, the event proved to be both educational and impactful-marking a strong start for the club’s future initiatives.

FMS, USJ Shines at National CPR Competition

The Resuscitation Council of Sri Lanka, in accordance with the ERC 2021 guidelines, organized a national CPR competition for medical students on the 28th of December 2024. The event was held at the College of Anesthesiologists and Intensivists, Rajagiriya, drawing participation from medical faculties across the country.

Among the many teams that competed, the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (FMS USJ), proudly secured the position of 2nd runners-up. This remarkable achievement marks the first time FMS USJ has placed in this competition, highlighting the growing strength and determination of its students.

The team comprised fourth-year students from the 30th batch: Sajith, Himal, Priyenkan, Cheiyoon, and Aeman. Their success is a testament not only to their dedication but also to the excellent guidance provided by Dr. Kavya Botejue, who coached the team for the second consecutive year. Dr. Botejue also serves as the senior treasurer of the Resuscitation club.

The students were well-supported by the faculty, with access to mannequins and other training equipment provided by the Skills Lab. This strong backing played a vital role in their preparation and ultimate success. FMS USJ celebrates this milestone with pride, and the achievement stands as an inspiration for future participants.

Inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Resuscitation Club

The inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Resuscitation Club of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was held on 4th March 2025 at 12:30 PM in the Faculty Board Room. The event marked the official launch of the club, established with the aim of promoting resuscitation awareness, education, and training among medical undergraduates.

The meeting began with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by the University anthem. The formal proceedings commenced with a welcome address, highlighting the importance of early exposure to emergency care skills within medical training. Following this, addresses were delivered by faculty representatives, who emphasized the significance of resuscitation knowledge in clinical practice and encouraged the club’s efforts to enhance practical training opportunities.

The official appointment of the Executive Board Committee was then carried out, introducing the student leaders who will oversee the club’s activities and initiatives in the coming year. This was followed by the inaugural address by the newly appointed president, outlining the club’s vision and future plans, including training workshops, simulation-based sessions, and awareness campaigns.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the newly appointed secretary, expressing gratitude to the faculty and students who supported the establishment of the club.

ERC Basic Life Support Certification for Resuscitation Club

On the 19th of April 2025, the board members of the Resuscitation Club, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (FMS USJ), successfully completed Basic Life Support (BLS) training at the College of Anesthesiologists and Intensivists.This training was conducted under the Restart a Heart project of the Resuscitation council an initiative launched in 2024 with the goal of promoting Basic Life Support awareness and establishing Resuscitation Clubs in all medical faculties across Sri Lanka. A total of 24 medical students from FMS USJ participated in the program, which included a comprehensive online pre-learning module and pre-test, followed by hands-on sessions in CPR techniques, AED usage, recovery position, choking management, and a final BLS certification test. The session was led by Dr. Nilmini Wijesuriya, Chair of the Resuscitation Council, along with her team from the College. Their excellent guidance and engaging teaching approach provided the participants with a highly practical and enriching experience. All 24 participants successfully passed the assessment and were awarded their ERC-certified BLS certificates, valid for three years. The session not only strengthened their clinical skills but also empowered them to share their knowledge.

Armed with this training, the Resuscitation Club at FMS USJ aims to extend its impact by conducting hands-on CPR sessions for fellow students and the wider community, furthering the mission of lifesaving education.