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RSAF captain & other members of public help resuscitate unconscious man
The man is said to be recovering well in the hospital.
November 17, 2024, 12:07 PM
A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) captain was on his way home on Nov. 2 evening when he heard someone calling for help at the carpark of Block 205 Hougang Street 21.
Subsequently, the captain, Tan Yu Xiang, found a man lying on the ground unconscious, who was also not breathing and had no pulse.
At that instant, Tan's "training kicked in", and he immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the man.
While Tan was doing so, members of the public also stepped in, with one of them bringing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and another fetching a medical kit.
Collectively, they resuscitated the man successfully, and he was transferred into the care of Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedics after his pulse stabilised.
Tan recounted the story above in an Instagram post published by RSAF on Nov. 16.
According to the post caption, the man saved is "recovering well" in the hospital.
Tan praised members of public who offered help
According to RSAF, Tan is a Search and Rescue Medical Officer from 1 Medical Squadron (1 MS), whose job involved searching for and saving lives aboard a moving helicopter.
On Nov. 9, Tan's colleagues at RSAF's RESCUE 10 medical team airlifted a crewman with urgent medical needs from a bulk carrier to Singapore General Hospital.
"My training taught me to handle challenging conditions and helped me respond effectively in [resuscitating the man on the day of the incident]," shared Tan.
Tan added that the collective effort in saving the man also demonstrated teamwork and effective communication, which are "vital" during his team's research and rescue missions.
"It's heartening to see civic-minded Singaporeans, regardless of background, unite to help someone in need," said Tan.
SCDF statement
The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed with Mothership that they received a call for assistance regarding the unconscious man at around 6:30pm on Nov. 2.
He was subsequently conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
"SCDF applauds the timely response from Tan and other community first responders for their resuscitation efforts of the cardiac arrest victim," read the statement.
To duly recognise these individuals for their good deeds, SCDF has contacted Tan and hopes that others can reach out to 3rd SCDF Division at [email protected].
Top images via Republic of Singapore Air Force/Instagram
