Good Samaritans & doctor save man who collapsed at Yishun coffeeshop

When a man suffered a seizure and collapsed at a coffeeshop in Yishun, a group of quick-thinking diners sprang into action to help.

One diner took charge in reviving the man, while another immediately ran to a nearby clinic to get a doctor.

Meanwhile, someone else called for an ambulance.

The heartwarming story of this community effort was shared on Oct. 30 via Facebook by Roslan Rahman, a vendor at the coffeeshop.

Sudden collapse

Roslan explained that his assistant and close friend, Abang Rahmat, was hanging out at the coffeeshop on his day off after a cycling session.

Unfortunately, he suddenly collapsed and had a "seizure".

He even stopped breathing for a moment, sparking a rush to help.

A nearby woman quickly took charge, instructing the bystanders to lay Rahmat on the floor.

Another person ran to the Heartland Family Clinic nearby at Yishun Street 31, and someone else called an ambulance.

Working together

The doctor, identified as Dr Lee from Heartland Family Clinic, arrived almost immediately and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with others ensuring he had enough space to work.

The woman then ran to retrieve an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and returned, assisting Dr Lee in using it.

Working together, they managed to revive Rahmat, who began breathing again, although he was still unconscious.

Meanwhile, the customer who called for the ambulance waited by the road to guide the paramedics to the scene.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed with Mothership that they received a call for assistance at Block 335C Yishun Street 31 on Oct. 29 at about 8:10pm.

Rahmat was then taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH).

Gratitude

Roslan updated that Rahmat is now in the intensive care unit (ICU) at KTPH where he remains unconscious but in stable condition.

He expressed deep gratitude to Dr Lee, the woman who took charge, and everyone else who helped, saying:

"Without you and the lady diner, a life could have been lost today. Everyone at the coffeeshop played a part during this emergency. Thanks to all."

"This shows the racial harmony that we enjoyed at Yishun Riverwalk," he added.

Clinic's response

In response to queries by Mothership, a representative from Heartland Family Clinic said that they shared Roslan's sentiments that they are "blessed to be part of a community that spontaneously came together to help a person in need".

The clinic noted that “most of the credit should go to the lady diner” who directed the rescue efforts, retrieved the AED, and activated it.

They added that, unfortunately, her identity remains unknown.

Top photo from Roslan Rahman/Facebook