What would you do if someone collapsed in front of you? For one RGS student, the answer was immediate action.
When a tourist suffered cardiac arrest at Novena, 16-year-old Alva Wong stepped in, performed CPR, and helped save his life.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) helps keep blood flowing when the heart stops, while an AED (automated external defibrillator) delivers a controlled shock to restart it.
Cardiac arrest strikes without warning. Every minute without CPR reduces a person’s chance of survival by up to 10%. For many bystanders, fear or uncertainty causes hesitation. But Wong, a Year 4 student at Raffles Girls’ School, acted fast.
She recognised the signs, took control, and performed CPR before paramedics arrived. Her action made the difference between life and death.
Red Cross Youth Gave Her the Skills to Act
Wong, a Red Cross Youth member at Raffles Girls’ School, had undergone certified training in Community First Aid and CPR during her first year. On 10 March, she was walking towards the MRT station when she saw a man collapse at Velocity @ Novena Square, according to Mothership.
The man showed no signs of responsiveness. Wong approached and spoke to his wife to check for any known medical conditions.
She then began performing CPR while asking nearby individuals to call for an ambulance and fetch the closest AED. She carried out chest compressions for about eight minutes until paramedics arrived and took over.
In a video shared by Raffles Girls’ School, Wong explained her instinct to step in:
“Even if you aren’t sure if you can do it or not, it’s better to go up and help because the family member was in a lot of distress. My first reaction was to go up to help.”
Her school credited her quick thinking and calm approach to the life-saving skills she gained through Red Cross Youth and the Community First Aid and CPR course.
The tourist later recovered following surgery and returned safely to China. He wrote a letter thanking Wong for her courage and composure.
What prepared her to respond so quickly? In Singapore, all Secondary 1 students receive CPR and AED training as part of their Physical Education curriculum.
Wong also took part in additional courses through the Red Cross Youth programme at her school, which reinforced her knowledge and built her confidence. This layered training meant she was ready to act when it mattered most.
More in Singapore Trained to Step In During Cardiac Arrest
Wong is one of many in Singapore who have stepped up in a crisis. In 2023, 34 individuals were honoured at the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Project Heart event for their roles in resuscitating cardiac arrest victims, The Straits Times reported.
The recipients included teachers, engineers, firefighters, and members of the public who performed CPR before paramedics arrived.
Some responders had been alerted through the myResponder app, which issues emergency notifications within a 400-metre radius.
76% Know to Start CPR Immediately but Many Still Hold Back
More people in Singapore now understand the importance of acting fast during a cardiac arrest, but many still hesitate to step in. A survey by the Singapore Heart Foundation in 2024 found that 76% of people knew they should begin CPR and use an AED straight away if someone collapses. That’s up from 68% in 2020, showing a sign of growing awareness.
However, being aware isn’t the same as being ready.
Only 49% said they would actually perform CPR if they witnessed someone collapse.
Many people still worry they might do something wrong. In the same survey, 40% said they were afraid of hurting someone by doing CPR incorrectly. Another 33% believed AEDs were too complicated to operate, a common but mistaken belief. These devices are designed to be foolproof, with clear audio and visual instructions.
Still, most people agree CPR is worth learning. In the same survey, 95% said it’s a valuable skill to have, and more than half had received training at least once. Most picked it up through school, work, or as part of a CCA.
The signs of progress are there, but more work is needed to turn awareness into confident action.
How You Can Learn CPR and Be Ready to Help
You don’t need to be a healthcare worker to save a life. In Singapore, there are simple ways to learn CPR and use an AED confidently.
1. Take a Certified Course
The Singapore Red Cross Academy offers a 4-hour CPR (Hands-Only) + AED Provider Course. It costs $75, includes both theory and practical sessions, and provides a 2-year certification. Courses are open to the public and accredited by the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council.
2. Join Mass Training Events
The Singapore Heart Foundation’s Project Heart trains large groups in one day. In 2023, over 1,000 people, including students and teachers, were certified. These events are held regularly and are free or subsidised.
3. Use the myResponder App
This SCDF app alerts users to cardiac emergencies nearby and shows AED locations. It’s free to download and helps trained individuals respond faster.
4. Recognise the Signs
If someone suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive, or gasps irregularly, start CPR and use an AED immediately. Every minute counts.
- Look for sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
- Check if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally
Gasping or irregular breathing (agonal breathing) is a sign to start CPR
Call 995, begin chest compressions, and use an AED immediately
Every minute without action reduces survival chances by up to 10%
5. Take Action Without Hesitation
- Starting CPR and using an AED can raise survival chances by up to 50%
- Every minute without action drops the chance of survival by about 10%
- AEDs give clear voice instructions and are safe for anyone to use
- Continue CPR until help arrives or someone else takes over
You don’t need to be perfect, taking action is what matters most. If someone collapses, call 995, start CPR, and use the nearest AED. With growing access to training and tools like the myResponder app, more people in Singapore are ready to step in. You could be one of them.
Image credit: Singapore Red Cross/Instagram via Mothership
