Hero banner for all pages except home page
On 6 February 2026, at a multi-storey carpark in Woodlands, three Community First Responders (CFRs) worked together to save a man who had collapsed from cardiac arrest.
Among them was CPL Muhammad Nur Syafiq Bin Ismail, an SCDF National Serviceman (NSF), who responded to an alert on the myResponder mobile application.
As a Community Engagement Specialist at 4th SCDF Division for the past year, CPL Syafiq has been teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator to members of the public. PHOTO: SCDF
As a Community Engagement Specialist at 4th SCDF Division’s Community Engagement Branch, CPL Syafiq regularly teaches members of the public lifesaving skills through the Responders Plus Programme, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
On that day, the skills he frequently taught others came in useful to save a life.
Another CFR who responded to the incident was Fazakir Zulhilman Bin Dzulkarnain, an SCDF Operationally Ready National Serviceman, who was an Emergency Medical Technician at Woodlands Fire Station during his National Service. After receiving the myResponder alert, Fazakir retrieved an AED from a nearby block and proceeded to the location.
When he arrived, another CFR, Koh Jia Jun, was already performing chest compressions on the patient. Fazakir applied the AED pads on the patient, while CPL Syafiq helped to operate the AED.
Together, the three CFRs delivered two shocks to the patient and continued resuscitation efforts until the arrival of SCDF paramedics. The patient regained his pulse and breathing and was later conveyed to the hospital.
Thanks to the timely assistance of the CFRs, the patient survived his ordeal. He conveyed a heartfelt message to the responders: "You did not just save me. You gave my family more time with me. Thank you will never be enough."
-webp.webp?sfvrsn=430dc67e_1)
In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, Koh Jia Jun (second from left) and Fazakir Zulhilman Bin Dzulkarnain (second from right) received the Community Lifesaver Award from AC Dennis Quah (first from right), Commander 4th SCDF Division. CPL Muhammad Nur Syafiq Bin Ismail (first from left) received the SCDF Pride and Care Award in recognition of his commendable actions. PHOTO: 4TH SCDF DIVISION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BRANCH
For CPL Syafiq, the incident reinforced his belief in the importance of learning lifesaving skills and the role of CFRs during medical emergencies, where timely intervention is critical.
Since downloading the myResponder app, CPL Syafiq has responded to five cases. Through these experiences, he observed that when multiple CFRs respond to the same incident, they could support one another and rotate the administration of CPR until emergency responders arrive.
“If you encounter a suspected cardiac arrest case, follow these six steps - DRSABC,” he shared.
Danger: Look out for hazards such as metallic surfaces, wet areas, and flammable gases. If it is safe to do so, move the patient away from danger.
Response: Check whether the patient is responsive by tapping the shoulders and saying, “Hello Sir / Ma’am, are you ok?”.
Shout: If the patient does not respond, shout for help, and get a bystander to call 995. If alone, call 995 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
AED: If there is another person around, ask him/her to get the nearest AED. The myResponder app can help you to locate one.
Breathing: Check by observing the chest for rise and fall of normal breathing.
Compressions: If there is no breathing, begin chest compressions immediately.
“These are some of the lifesaving skills we teach under the Responders Plus Programme, which is accessible online and at the four SCDF Land Division Headquarters,” CPL Syafiq said. “Through the myResponder app, members of the public can also access learning resources on CPR and AED usage.”
Reflecting on the incident, CPL Syafiq said the experience made him more motivated towards community engagement, where he could encourage more people to learn lifesaving skills.
CPL Syafiq sharing lifesaving skills with members of the public at a Community Resilience Day event. PHOTO: 4TH SCDF DIVISION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BRANCH
“In a cardiac arrest case, the patient's chances of survival decrease by 10% for every minute without CPR. If there are more CFRs who can render timely assistance, the patient’s chances of survival will increase,” he said.
“When teaching members of the public, I also share my experiences of responding to incidents. This gives them confidence that they could do it too. It is fulfilling to know that the lifesaving skills we teach can give someone another chance in life,” he added with a smile.
Inspired to be a Community First Responder?
You too can make a difference. Learn lifesaving skills through the Responders Plus Programme or at SCDF establishments. Download the myResponder app on your mobile device and sign up as a Community First Responder at go.gov.sg/myresponder!