‘Performing CPR on a conscious patient…’: Railway TTE’s attempt to save a passenger faces criticism from doctors

The Ministry of Railways has shared a video of a ticket checker performing CPR on a 70-year-old passenger who reportedly suffered a heart attack during a train journey. While the video praised the railroad worker’s efforts, it drew criticism from doctors, who pointed out that performing CPR on a conscious person violates medical guidelines and could lead to legal consequences.

The Railway Ministry hailed the TTE as a ‘life saver’ in a post on

“While traveling in the general coach of train number 15708 ‘Amrapali Express’, a 70-year-old passenger suffered a heart attack. The TTE deployed there immediately provided CPR and saved the passenger’s life. The passenger was then taken to hospital at Chhapra railway station,” the report said.

The video showed the TTE administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the man, who was clearly conscious and responsive. This method is typically used to help an unconscious person breathe.

Medical experts were alarmed by the ‘misleading’ video and urged the railways to remove it from social media, fearing it would spread incorrect practices.

“Performing CPR on a conscious patient is very dangerous and wrong,” wrote Dr. Аshїsh Рrаdhаn (@DrAshishPradhan). “This is not a joke. CPR is a life-saving procedure. Remove this video so people don’t lose lives due to misinformation.”

Dr. Nawazish Khan (@docman_nhk) explained: “CPR is not for conscious patients. It is only done on those who are unresponsive and not breathing or do not have an effective pulse. Performing CPR on a conscious person is against medical rules and could lead to legal problems for the person performing it.”

Cardiologist Dr. Shariq Shamim (@ShariqShamimMD) emphasized, “He is awake; you DO NOT perform CPR on an awake person. CPR is not intended for every case of a heart attack. Government officials should prevent such misleading content from being posted.”

In addition, activist Dr. Vishnu Rajgadia (@VishnuRajgadia) that he has filed an RTI seeking information about the TTE’s medical training and details of the railways’ investigation into the incident.

“I have filed an RTI request for information about this so-called CPR. I hope the Ministry of Railways will respond appropriately,” Rajgadia wrote on X>