Man, 53, performed CPR for 10 mins upon witnessing Seletar West Link accident

A driver who came across a grisly traffic accident on Seletar West Link helped to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an injured motorcyclist for 10 minutes.

Witnessed aftermath

On the evening of Aug. 18, 53-year-old Martin Wong was driving home when he noticed the accident on the opposite side of the road.

"I stopped my vehicle, took my first aid kit and automated external defibrillator (AED), and crossed over to see if I could help," he told Mothership.

Wong, who did not witness the actual collision, said that he saw the casualty lying prone, with a large pool of blood near his head.

His immediate concern was to assess the casualty's condition and provide the necessary emergency assistance.

"In truth, having been exposed to prior emergencies such as cardiac arrest cases and even road traffic accidents, I was able to remain focused and composed throughout the rescue."

Resuscitation efforts

A few others at the scene, including Wong, coordinated to carefully turn the casualty over so Wong could assess him.

Since the casualty was unresponsive, with no detectable pulse and no breathing, Wong commenced CPR immediately.

He then asked another person to assist him in preparing the AED, while another individual remained on the line with the 995 operator.

They also appointed someone to direct traffic, ensuring they had a safe space to work around the casualty.

Wong then continued performing CPR, providing breaths using a face mask, for approximately 10 minutes while kneeling on the asphalt beside the casualty.

While the AED was attached and analysed the casualty, it did not advise any shock throughout the process, he said.

"We continued the resuscitation efforts until the emergency responders arrived and took over," Wong added.

Thoughts remain with casualty, family

Despite it being a "very distressing scene", Wong pointed out that "in such situations, there is little time to think about anything other than helping the casualty".

While he was fortunate to have his first aid kit and AED with him, he also wanted to acknowledge the other members of the public who stepped forward to help.

"Resuscitation is rarely a one-person effort," he said.

"Someone assisted with the AED, another remained in communication with the 995 operator, while others helped to manage the traffic and maintain a safe space for us to work."

Wong said: "Doing CPR continuously for around 10 minutes is physically demanding, particularly while kneeling on the road surface, but at that point the only thought was to keep going and give the casualty whatever chance we could until professional help arrived."

He hopes this incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of learning CPR and how to use an AED.

"In a medical emergency, the actions taken in those first few minutes can be critical," he added.

"My thoughts remain with the casualty and his family."

Victim was 25-year-old man who later passed away

The police have confirmed with Mothership that the motorcyclist, a 25-year-old man, was taken unconscious to hospital where he later died.

A 57-year old female car driver was arrested on suspicion of careless driving causing death and is assisting with police investigations.