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A commuter setting up the automated external defibrillator while an SBS Transit bus captain performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an “unconscious commuter”, in a simulated exercise at the launch of the AED-on-Buses Programme on 8 November 2024. PHOTO: SCDF

As the morning crowd streamed onto the bus, they were greeted warmly by the bus captain. Moments later, one of the passengers showed signs of chest discomfort before collapsing to the floor. Without hesitation, the bus captain called SCDF for assistance, while a civic-minded commuter retrieved the automated external defibrillator (AED) from the bus and stepped forward to help.

This scene illustrates how a quick response, coupled with accessible lifesaving equipment, can make a difference and save a life during a sudden cardiac arrest. 

To strengthen community response to medical emergencies, SCDF has collaborated with various partners to place AEDs closer to where people live, work, and commute. These efforts are anchored under the Save-A-Life Initiative, which was launched in 2015.

A decade-long journey to strengthen community response

The Save-A-Life Initiative is a collaboration between SCDF, the Ministry of Health, the Singapore Heart Foundation, and the People’s Association. It strives to build “A Nation of Lifesavers” by strengthening community first response to cardiac emergencies. 

Beyond making lifesaving equipment accessible throughout Singapore, the initiative equips individuals with lifesaving skills and fosters a network of community first responders (CFRs). 

Through the Responders Plus Programme, members of the public can learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills and how to use an AED, giving them the confidence to step forward as CFRs in times of need. 

Members of the public can register as a CFR on SCDF’s myResponder mobile application. A gamechanger in community first response, the app alerts nearby CFRs to minor fires and suspected cardiac arrest cases, and directs them to the nearest AED via the Registry for AED Integration. This national registry of publicly accessible AEDs in Singapore is managed by SCDF and the Singapore Heart Foundation. With more than 11,000 registered AEDs, the repository provides real-time AED locations through SCDF’s myResponder app, helping CFRs to respond quickly.

Since its launch, the myResponder app has grown from 3,000 registered CFRs in 2015 to more than 246,300 as of November 2025. These CFRs have responded to over 52,000 minor fires and cardiac arrest cases, contributing to the survival of more than 150 people who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Bringing lifesaving equipment to the roads

Public transportation connects urban centres, ferrying millions of commuters to their destinations every day. Amid the hustle and bustle, medical emergencies can occur when least expected, requiring swift intervention before the arrival of SCDF’s emergency ambulance services.  

Recognising this, the AED-on-Wheels Programme was launched in 2015, equipping taxis, private-hire vehicles and vehicles in the courier and logistics industry with AEDs. Participating drivers are also trained in CPR and how to use an AED, ensuring that they will be able to assist during an emergency while on the move.

Building on the AED-on-Wheels Programme, AEDs were subsequently introduced on public buses in November 2024, with the launch of the AED-on-Buses Programme. 53 buses on routes 138, 268 and 851, as well as three patrol cars from SBS Transit were equipped with AEDs sponsored by the Singapore Heart Foundation. 

Buses carrying an AED can be identified with this decal. PHOTO: SCDF

In areas with fewer AEDs, a community first responder can flag down a bus equipped with an AED and quickly attend to the patient. PHOTO: SCDF

These buses travel through industrial estates and neighbourhoods with a higher population of senior citizens, extending the reach of roving AEDs, particularly in areas with fewer AEDs.

When the myResponder app alerts CFRs on a suspected cardiac arrest case in such locations, responding CFRs will be notified of an available AED on an approaching bus. The CFR can then flag down the bus at the nearest bus stop, retrieve the AED onboard, and quickly attend to the patient. Furthermore, bus captains trained in CPR and AED can step in to render aid before SCDF’s arrival, improving the patient’s chances of survival.  

In October 2025, Tower Transit became the second public transport partner to join the AED-on-Buses Programme. Under this partnership, 52 buses serving routes 78, 79 and 98 were equipped with AEDs. 

As a longstanding partner of SCDF, the Singapore Heart Foundation had generously sponsored the AEDs and fitted them in these public buses.

(From left) COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF; Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development; Mr Geoffrey Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Heart Foundation; Mr Lee Yong Heng, Senior Director (Operations), Tower Transit Singapore, at the launch of the partnership on 28 October 2025. PHOTO: SCDF

"The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) is glad to contribute to the AED-on-Buses Programme again since last year, partnering with SCDF and Tower Transit to add another 52 AEDs to the public buses in Singapore,” said Mr Geoffrey Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Heart Foundation. “This exemplifies SHF's ethos of "from society, to society" and it is one of the ways we are giving back to the public, by making more AEDs available on the move, so that more precious lives can be saved.”

Mr Ong added that the Singapore Heart Foundation has also installed a CPR Self-Learning Kiosk at the Bulim Depot, allowing bus captains to learn CPR at their own pace through guided, step-by-step instructions.

“By equipping our buses with AEDs, particularly on routes that serve industrial estates, we’re extending access to life-saving equipment where they may not be easily accessible. Our Bus Captains on these routes are also being trained as first responders, enhancing their ability to assist in emergencies,” said Mr Winston Toh, Managing Director of Tower Transit Singapore. “This pilot underscores our commitment to community safety and enables our buses to serve not just as transport, but as mobile lifelines.”

With the addition of Tower Transit buses, the total number of vehicles under the AED-on-Wheels Programme stands at 543. Partners include STRIDES Premier, ComfortDelGro, Grab, Singapore Post, Ninja Van Singapore, SBS Transit, and private citizens’ vehicles, with Temasek Foundation and the Singapore Heart Foundation as the AED sponsors. Since the inception of the AED-on-Wheels Programme, trained drivers have responded to 1,293 myResponder cases. 

A shared commitment to save lives

By learning CPR and how to use an AED, all of us can lend a helping hand when emergencies strike. Together, we can build a stronger, more prepared, and more caring community where help is always within reach.

Register and learn lifesaving skills through the Responders Plus Programme and join us as a community first responder on the myResponder app!