SCDF rescues woman, 36, from Sembawang block 17th floor parapet

The woman was apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act.

By

Winnie Li

October 04, 2024, 06:03 PM

Warning: This article contains content that some may find disturbing. Audience discretion is advised.

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers rescued a 36-year-old woman from the 17th floor parapet of Block 362A Sembawang Crescent on Oct. 3 evening.

The rescue won praise from the public.

What happened

The scene of the rescue was caught on camera by a Mothership reader.

In the video, a person, dressed in a t-shirt and black shorts, could be seen sitting on the parapet with her legs dangling.

Two SCDF rescuers were standing on the parapet above the woman, while one officer stood on the parapet below her.

At least three officers were stationed in the building on the 16th floor.

After deploying a net to prevent the woman from falling, the two rescuers rappelled down and secured the woman.

At the same time, two other officers arrived at the 17th floor parapet after climbing over a railing.

Together with officers inside the building, the rescuers successfully pulled the woman inside.

Onlookers could be heard cheering and clapping.

The reader who submitted the video said they would like to "praise the officers for saving a life while risking theirs".

Statement from police, SCDF

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and SCDF confirmed they received a call for assistance at the block at around 5:20pm on Oct. 3.

Upon noticing the woman, SCDF officers deployed a safety life air pack as a precautionary measure.

The officers also deployed nets, and DART rescuers rappelled down to rescue the woman.

The woman was subsequently apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act.

No injuries were reported, said the police.

Helplines

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)

Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)

SHECARES@SCWO: Call: 8001-01-4616 | Whatsapp: 65714400 (for targets of online harms)