Saving Lives, Saving Futures

PHOTO & GRAPHIC: Melody Ho

Late one night, Darryl was at home when the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) myResponder app alerted him that someone nearby was in cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, he rushed to the person’s location. Upon arrival, he worked with the patient’s son and another member of the public to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and used an automated defibrillator on the patient until paramedics arrived.

It was at this same HDB block where Darryl was one of the first Community First Responder to arrive on scene to attend to an individual in cardiac arrest. PHOTOS: Melody Ho

A month later, Darryl encountered the patient again, no longer fighting for life, but enjoying a leisurely meal at a coffeeshop.

“[Seeing that the patient had recovered] filled me with a profound sense of satisfaction, validating the impact of our timely intervention,” Darryl said.

Volunteering in the Community

Community First Responders are alerted via the myResponder app to cases of cardiac arrest or minor fires based on their proximity to the emergency. PHOTO: Amber Qua

For Darryl, that was just one of over 60 cases the 20-year-old has attended to through the myResponder app to date. The app notifies members of the public – also known as Community First Responders (CFRs) – to nearby fire and medical cases.

Darryl was introduced to the myResponder app while taking a healthcare module in secondary school. He promptly downloaded the app, a decision he considers as “one of the best [he’s] ever made”.

“What inspired me to step forward as a CFR is knowing how crucial it is to provide timely assistance in emergency situations,” he said.

“The lifesaving skills I’ve gained empowers me to step forward with confidence, enabling me to better assist the patient and increase their chances of survival.”

Discovering Lifesaving as His Calling 

Darryl (right) shared CPR skills with both the young and the old during a Lionhearter Club outreach event. PHOTO: Lee Zhe Kai Darryl

The spark that lit his interest in doing lifesaving work at a deeper level was witnessing the professionalism and composure of the paramedics who attended to his grandmother. This experience left a deep imprint on Darryl and showed him how rewarding a career with SCDF could be.

Darryl’s calling took form during his tenure as the President of the Civil Defence Lionhearter Club in ITE College West, which allowed him to work closely with SCDF at community events to raise awareness about the importance of first aid and basic firefighting skills.

“Leading the club allowed me to share my knowledge and inspire each new batch of students to help others in their capacity…through these engagements, I realised that my true calling lies in helping people.”  

Paramedic in the Making

His decision to apply for the Home Team Sponsorship was inspired by the prospect of immediately embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling career after graduation. Darryl also heard lifesaving stories from his cousin, who served his National Service as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Darryl became interested in the duties of Paramedics and EMT’s in pre-hospital care. 

Darryl will soon be joining other paramedics and firefighters in the world of lifesaving, where every moment could be life changing. PHOTO: Melody Ho

He is in the midst of his Diploma in Nursing and will be studying for a Diploma in Health Sciences (Paramedicine) before joining SCDF. Darryl pointed out that while he can perform basic first aid as a CFR, he does not possess the same level of medical expertise as a Paramedic.

“As a SCDF Paramedic, I will be trained to have a more in-depth understanding of medical diagnosis, procedures and knowledge that can help me provide comprehensive pre-hospital care and management,” he said.

Looking forward, Darryl hopes to inspire more people, especially students, to acquire lifesaving skills and knowledge. 

“I believe these skills are essential and invaluable, and useful to have to provide assistance during emergencies.”