“Call 995...”
Those were the last words Mr Subhan said to his caregiver before he collapsed from a cardiac arrest.
Wong Wai Ting (right) saved Mr Subhan (left) from a cardiac arrest. PHOTO: SCDF
Wong Wai Ting had just ended her shift as a nurse at Woodlands Health’s Emergency Department and was on her way home when she noticed a commotion. She saw Mr Subhan lying on the ground, with his caregiver pacing back and forth, in a state of shock.
Wai Ting approached the caregiver and understood that Mr Subhan had recently undergone a heart surgery. He was on his way to a medical appointment when he felt unwell and collapsed.
While the caregiver called SCDF, Wai Ting promptly assessed Mr Subhan’s condition – Mr Subhan had no pulse and was not breathing. She shifted Mr Subhan into the supine position before commencing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). “I had completed one cycle of CPR when a passerby stepped in and offered to take over for the second cycle. After I did the third cycle of CPR, Mr Subhan regained consciousness,” Wai Ting shared. As it was crucial to maintain the rate of quality compressions during CPR, she greatly appreciated the help from the unidentified passerby.
Wai Ting’s involvement did not end there. “After SCDF paramedics arrived and tended to Mr Subhan, I comforted and assured his caregiver, who was still in shock. I reassured him that the hospital would stabilise Mr Subhan’s condition,” she said. “Throughout Mr Subhan’s hospital stay, we kept in touch, and I advised them on the medical procedures and what to expect.”
Wai Ting’s quick actions on that day had saved a life, giving her an unmatched sense of fulfilment. “A few seconds can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Passersby can help by calling SCDF, getting an AED, or helping to take over CPR,” she shared.
Wai Ting visited Mr Subhan when he was discharged from the hospital, which happened to be his birthday. They met again on 25 September 2024 at 4th SCDF Division. Wai Ting was presented with the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award, in recognition of her swift and decisive lifesaving actions. “I wish to thank Ms Wong for saving my life through her quick actions,” Mr Subhan said with a smile.
In a separate incident, Izz Ziyad Bin Sharel, a Station Admin Officer at Ang Mo Kio Fire Station, responded to a fire on 1 September 2024. “I was watching an action movie at home when the myResponder mobile application notified me of a minor fire nearby, at Block 870 Woodlands Street 81,” he recalled.
Since starting work at Ang Mo Kio Fire Station in August 2024, Izz Ziyad Bin Sharel has interacted much with his colleagues and learnt how frontliners respond to various emergencies. PHOTO: SCDF
Assuming that a refuse bin was on fire, Izz rushed to the scene, intending to douse the fire with a full water bottle in his hand. However, upon arriving at Block 870, he realised the fire was much larger than expected. “The fire involved a skip bin on the ground floor and the flames were steadily rising to about two storeys high,” he described, noting that the lower floors of the block were affected by the thick smoke.
Izz sprang into action and teamed up with four other members of the public to fight the fire. Apart from using numerous fire extinguishers, they also borrowed two hoses from the Town Council employees to douse the flames. “The thick smoke and intense heat from the skip bin made it extremely difficult to get close to the fire. We had to be mindful of our safety and maintain a safe distance.”
Utilising the resources available, they successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the lower floors and surrounding trees.
Soon after the fire, a video of their valiant firefighting efforts circulated on social media, with netizens lauding them as “superheroes”. “We did it as we have a sense of duty towards our community. We were not expecting any recognition,” Izz said modestly. “There is a strong community spirit in this neighbourhood, where everyone will look out for and help one another.”
Izz is no stranger to rendering assistance through the myResponder app. Since he was first introduced to the app during his National Service with the SCDF a few years ago, he has responded to two cardiac arrest cases and two minor fires.
“Most of us will feel anxious when responding to an emergency for the first time, but there is no need to be afraid. The SCDF Operations Centre Specialists will guide you, including how to conduct CPR during cardiac arrest cases. Once you overcome that initial apprehension, you are on your way to becoming a lifesaver,” he said, reaffirming that being a community first responder has been a meaningful and impactful experience.
As an SCDF staff, Izz will be presented with the SCDF Pride and Care Award in recognition of his commendable action.
Inspired to be a Community First Responder?
Download the myResponder app on your mobile device and sign up as a Community First Responder. By learning lifesaving skills, you too can make a difference in cardiac arrest or minor fire cases.
