DAEGU — As pets increasingly become integral members of modern households, ensuring their safety and well-being has emerged as a top priority for responsible pet ownership. While sudden emergencies like cardiac arrest or breathing difficulties demand immediate action to save an animal's life, many owners lack the hands-on training required to handle such crises effectively.

To bridge this knowledge gap and promote a culture of life-respect, Keimyung Culture University stepped outside the classroom and into the community. The university's Department of Pet Health announced on November 6 that it hosted an interactive pet first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) experience booth at the recently concluded "2026 Dalseo Companion Animal Hope Sharing Festival."

Spearheaded by the department’s faculty and students, the outreach initiative aimed to equip ordinary citizens and children with practical, life-saving skills. Utilizing specialized animal manikins, the booth simulated critical scenarios such as sudden cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. Participants received one-on-one coaching on vital emergency protocols, including how to secure an airway, locate correct chest compression points, apply appropriate pressure, and administer artificial respiration.

The program proved especially popular among families with children, thanks to child-friendly explanations and hands-on activities. For seasoned pet owners, the workshop offered rare, invaluable training on how to bridge the gap between noticing distress and receiving professional veterinary care.

"Animals cannot speak to tell us when they are in critical danger," noted Prof. Song Jae-won, head of the Department of Pet Health. "Prompt and accurate initial responses are vital. We hope this program helped citizens recognize the importance of pet first aid and the sanctity of animal lives. Our department remains committed to fostering a mature companion culture alongside our local community."

Education experts emphasize that pet emergency response is no longer just for veterinary professionals—it is an essential life safety skill for all pet guardians. Because improper techniques can inadvertently harm an animal, regular and systematic practice is indispensable.

By bringing academia out into public festivals, Keimyung Culture University successfully provided its students with real-world application experience while fulfilling a vital public service. Moving forward, advocates stress that such life-saving workshops should extend beyond one-time festivals into schools, community centers, and local facilities to ensure ongoing public readiness.

In related academic news, Keimyung Culture University will accept applications for the second round of early rolling admissions for the 2027 academic year from November 11 to 25. As society transitions into a true pet-inclusive era, hands-on preparedness like this highlights a growing shift toward protecting and respecting companion animals as cherished family members.

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