Launch of “AED-on-Wheels” Programme with ComfortDelGro - Speech by Assoc Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development

Mr Ang Wei Neng, Chief Executive Officer, ComfortDelGro Taxi;

Mr Lim Tien Hock, Chief Executive Officer, ComfortDelGro MedCare;

Mr Jackson Chia, CEO, Private Mobility Group, ComfortDelGro;

Mr Ang Hin Kee, Executive Advisor, National Taxi Association;

Ms Yeo Wan Ling,  Advisor, National Taxi Association;

Mr Vernon Kang, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Heart Foundation;

Commissioner Eric Yap, Commissioner of SCDF;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

1.   A very good afternoon to all of you. I am very happy to be here to join you to launch the “AED-on-Wheels” programme with ComfortDelGro.

2.   The programme was introduced in November 2015 to equip taxis and private-hire vehicles with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as well as to train the drivers in CPR-AED skills. Under the programme, drivers learn the medical protocols to determine unresponsiveness, how to perform CPR and use the AEDs on casualties. So, not only providing the equipment but also, sharing how to use it.

3.   By being part of this programme, drivers can make a crucial difference to the lives of others. When cardiac arrest cases are reported, these drivers will be notified via SCDF’s myResponder app. If they are in the vicinity, they can quickly deliver the AED to the scene, administer the AED or perform CPR. Such quick response to a medical emergency can make the difference between life and death. For every minute saved, the victim’s chance of survival increases by 7 to 10 percent. So, this is very important. I think this is a significant milestone for us, because it certainly will help to save lives and bring happiness to many individuals and their families. So, this is something that I am very happy to be able to join you for.

4.   Currently there are about 150 drivers on this programme and they have responded to 167 cardiac arrest cases.

5.   I am very delighted that ComfortDelGro has supported this programme. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) for their kind sponsorship of 50 AEDs to ComfortDelGro taxis and 10 MedCare minibuses.

6.   ComfortDelGro has also taken the initiative to equip its participating vehicles with first aid kits and fire extinguishers, which can be deployed for emergency responses such as road traffic accidents or vehicular fires.

7.   More importantly, I understand that the ComfortDelGro drivers who have participated in today’s “AED-on-Wheels” programme have all attended the SCDF’s Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP), to equip themselves with crucial lifesaving skills such as first aid, CPR-AED, and basic firefighting.

8.   To ComfortDelGro and its drivers, I thank you for taking the time to be trained during CEPP and for your involvement in the “AED-on-Wheels” programme. Our sincere thanks to you. I look forward to the sharing session by some of the participating drivers later, so as to understand what inspired you to join the noble cause and what you hope to do.

A Nation of Lifesavers

9.   The SCDF will continue to do its part to promote community first response and expand the “AED-on-Wheels” programme to involve other taxi companies as well as logistics and courier service companies.

10.   Remember, every response matters, even if it is performing simple tasks like guiding emergency responders to the casualty or helping to retrieve an AED. As “AED-on-Wheels” programme participants, I urge all of you to always be ready to respond to the next emergency when activated by the myResponder app. You can make a difference in someone’s life. Like what I shared earlier, when you do that, you make a difference in someone else’s family, and you make a difference to Singapore. So, I sincerely am very grateful to you and all your colleagues at ComfortDelGro.

11.   To date, more than 96,000 Community First Responders have registered on the myResponder app. Since the start of the year, they have responded to about 67 per cent of all cases on the app. These are indeed heartening and encouraging results. So, we will continue to do this, to reach out to as many people as possible, and to get more and more partners on board. Because, we believe that this is a very important aspect of how we can not only save lives, and also prepare our people to do things together, to help build our community, society and Singapore together.

12.   On that note, please join me once again in thanking ComfortDelGro and its drivers as well as SHF for their resounding support in this altruistic cause. I hope more members of the public can step forward as Community First Responders in bringing us closer towards building ‘A Nation of Lifesavers’.

13.   Thank you.