Muralli Pillai who is the MP of Bukit Batok recently posted on his Facebook page after he rushed to the aid of an elderly man who lost consciousness. He stated on how he tried to wake the man up and he then proceeded to call 995.
Here is the full story.
“Are we really prepared for an emergency ?
Yesterday morning’s experience over breakfast at Blk 155 BB St 11 will stay with me for a long while because I saw the Bukit Batok community spirit in action. I also experienced the deep sense of duty and professionalism of our SCDF officers.
I was together with my branch comrades for breakfast. I ordered my usual ‘yu char kway’ and kopi o kosong. My comrades ordered wan tan mee.
Just a few minutes later, Mdm Tan, a coffeeshop attendant rushed to me informing that an elderly man had suddenly lost consciousness and fallen to the ground. He was drinking tea then. The glass fell with him shattering to pieces.
Comrade Jason and I rushed to the old man. He was unconscious. We tried to wake him and thankfully he came to himself. I called 995 (pls note don’t call 999 for these matters!) and sought help. The SCDF officer speaking to me calmly asked that I turn the old man to one side to prevent choking and check for the rise and fall of his tummy. We then kept talking to the old man to ensure he remains conscious. In the meantime , our Bukit Batok residents stood back to give him air. Many of them stood by praying and offered words of support.
Within 10 mins, our SCDF officers arrived and took over.
Also arriving was Dr Ho, our GP, with a defribillator. I felt so touched that, on hearing an elderly person fainted, Dr Ho rushed out of his clinic with his nurse to help.
Dr Ho kept a watchful eye whilst the SCDF officers went about their tasks professionally and whisked the old man to hospital.
Jason and I then went back to our table to finish our breakfast. Although the food became cold, we were so happy that the old man survived and is in good hands.
I did an after action review myself. My CPR skills have not been validated for a while now. We were lucky that the old man quickly became conscious and was breathing. If not, CPR may have to be applied. This is where I would not have been as prepared for an emergency. Our Bukit Batok C2E runs first aid and CPR courses for BB residents. I intend to sign up to revalidate my skills the next chance I get.
My sincere thanks to SCDF officers and Dr Ho for their strong sense of duty and rising to the occasion.
I would end with a question to you; are you prepared when an emergency happens without warning ? If not, what steps will you take to get prepared? If you wish to take up the CPR and AED course, do drop your name at the CC to indicate your interest and we will keep you informed of any upcoming courses.”
