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

Life-Saving Skills: BLS Training for Ambulance Drivers at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura

The BLS training program held on 21^st October 2025 at 4.00 PM in the Skills Lab of the Faculty of Medical Sciences was conducted for university Ambulance drivers, recognising that they are often the first to encounter emergencies on campus. The session aimed to equip them with practical, life-saving skills they can apply immediately.

The program began with a lecture delivered in Sinhala. This was followed by hands-on training across five skills stations using mannequins. Pre- and post-course questionnaires showed a clear and encouraging improvement in knowledge and confidence among participants.

By the end of the workshop, drivers were able to detect and confirm cardiac arrest, perform effective Basic Life Support (BLS), immobilise the cervical spine using manual in-line stabilisation (MILS), safely log roll a patient, and stabilise the spine using simple resources such as towels and straps. The initiative highlighted the value of empowering first-contact personnel with essential emergency response skills.

Annual General Meeting of the Resuscitation Club 2025/2026

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Resuscitation Club of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, for 2025/2026 was held on 16^th September 2025 at 12:30 PM in the Faculty Board Room. The meeting brought together faculty representatives, student bodies, club members, and batch coordinators.

The session began with the formal opening and the University Anthem, followed by an address emphasizing the importance of enhancing emergency care skills among medical undergraduates. The outgoing committee then presented the previous AGM minutes and the annual financial report, both summarizing the year’s activities, fundraising efforts, and community workshops. These were reviewed and approved.

The new Executive Board was appointed for the upcoming term, after which the outgoing president reflected on the year’s progress, and the incoming president outlined future plans, including expanded training, stronger community partnerships, and increased participation in CPR competitions.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all who supported the club’s work. The National Anthem brought the AGM to a close, marking the beginning of another productive year for the Resuscitation Club.

“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 5^th of December 2024 at the Anatomy Auditorium, the event saw the enthusiastic participation of approximately 60 students from 29^th to 33^rd 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 28^th 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 2^nd 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 30^th 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 4^th 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 19^th 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.