On a Friday evening, August 22nd, a man collapsed while walking along Yuan Ching Road at Jurong Lake Gardens. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., prompted immediate action from several members of the public, two of whom began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the man.
A netizen who was cycling in the area shared the account on the social media platform Xiaohongshu. According to the post, a group of people rushed to the man’s aid. While some began performing chest compressions, others located an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to provide additional assistance.
A video uploaded by the witness shows a young woman actively performing CPR as another woman counted the rhythm. Other witnesses present at the scene confirmed that “three members of the public had taken turns to perform CPR on the man.” The young woman continued the life-saving procedure for approximately three minutes until the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) ambulance arrived. The SCDF later stated that one person was taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.
The SCDF reports that over 2,300 Singaporeans experience cardiac arrest each year, but the survival rate is only about 3%. Every minute is critical, as the chances of survival drop by 7% to 10% with each passing minute. Studies have shown that bystander-administered CPR can effectively double a person’s chances of survival.
However, it is vital that CPR is performed correctly. Improper technique can be harmful and may not be effective. Here are the steps:
- Positioning: Kneel with your knees slightly apart and interlace your fingers.
- Hand Placement: Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the person’s sternum.
- Body Mechanics: Position your shoulders directly over the person’s chest and use your body weight to press down.
- Compression Depth and Rate: Aim for a compression depth of 4 to 6 centimeters at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Recoil: Ensure the chest fully recoils after each compression.
Quick thinking and basic medical knowledge can make a significant impact on someone’s life, as it is important to know how to perform CPR.
