Lifesavers in Love

PHOTOS: Soo Jun Xian

Love shines bright for these Paramedics of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), even through Zoom! ☺

Though we weren’t able to meet Warrant Officer (WO) 1 Mohamed Shafiee Bin Jamin and Sergeant (SGT) 2 Nabilah Binte Sadali in person, their warmth, joy and good humour came across loud and clear during our Zoom chat. 

In this Valentine’s Day Special, the two officers share the milestone moments in their relationship and how they balance their professional duties and marriage. 

Hi! How did you two first meet?
SGT2 Nabilah: We met in 2012 at Paya Lebar Fire Station. I was a trainee Paramedic and Shafiee was my mentor. 

WO1 Shafiee: Yes, I remember she was still quite new at the Station and the first words she said to me were, “Hi, I’m your mentee.” and I just replied, “I know.” It was a very awkward first meeting! 

Do you have a favourite memory of those early days?
SGT2 Nabilah: To be honest, it wasn’t easy being his mentee as he was very strict. 

WO1 Shafiee: In my defence, we want all our trainees to be the best Paramedics that they can be, and to have the necessary knowledge, skills and aptitude to save lives in a medical emergency. I guess that counts as the best memory for me because it shows that it was our work and how we can serve the community that was most important. Though we had our little squabbles along the way, we gradually learnt more about each other’s working styles. 

SGT2 Nabilah: It wasn’t one specific moment that made me realise that he was the love of my life, but rather, it was many little steps over time that got us to where we are today. We started dating after knowing each other better, and finally got married in 2019.

PHOTO: Soo Jun Xiang

Tell us about your work now. 
SGT2 Nabilah: As SCDF Paramedics, we work in shifts and respond to medical emergencies such as cases of cardiac arrest, seizure, breathlessness, major trauma and stroke. I’m based at Paya Lebar Fire Station while Shafiee is based at Kallang Fire Station. 

How do you support each other in your work? 
SGT2 Nabilah: We often celebrate our little successes and achievements together, for example, by having a dinner date after completing a good shift. When we both received SCDF’s Service Excellence Award in the first three quarters of 2020, we shared our favourite dessert of fries with a hot fudge sundae to celebrate why we do this job. It’s important to have this time together, otherwise we may get carried away with work.  

WO1 Shafiee: As Paramedics, we have many responsibilities at work, and there are times when we’ll report back for various duties. We make it a point to set aside some time to rest. 

The Home Team began vaccinations for its frontline officers in January 2021, and I understand that both of you have just received your second and final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. What does being vaccinated mean to you? 
SGT2 Nabilah: It means safeguarding ourselves as frontline responders, and also those we serve when we respond to an emergency call. 

WO1 Shafiee getting his COVID-19 vaccination shot in January 2021. PHOTO: Home Team News

WO1 Shafiee: I’ve helped to convey suspected COVID-19 cases to the hospital on several occasions. Being vaccinated isn’t only about ensuring our personal safety, but also that of our patients, fellow officers and loved ones. The vaccine gives me the assurance that I can safely carry out my frontline responder duties as a Paramedic.

At home with the happy couple and their beloved furry friends (from left) Momo, Molly and Mandy. PHOTO: Mohamed Shafiee Bin Jamin

Finally, how are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? 
SGT2 Nabilah: We're spending most of Valentine's Day apart as Shafiee will be on shift that day. But we look forward to celebrating our second wedding anniversary, which is just around the corner.

WO1 Shafiee: I guess we’re each other’s lifeline! After my shift, she’s the first person I’ll look for, and vice versa. We’ll talk about how we can handle our work, and so on. At the end of the day, we want each other to become better Paramedics.