Singapore Pools' commitment to community and customer well-being was exemplified on 7 July 2024, when Mdm Helen Hau, Duty Manager, and Mr Jack Pei, Assistant Branch Manager, from our Bukit Merah Off-Course Betting Centre, swiftly responded to a medical emergency. Their prompt actions and expertise in first aid saved the life of a customer who had suddenly fainted at the betting hall. They received the Community Lifesaver Award from SCDF on 12 November 2024.
Upon learning of the incident, Helen and Jack quickly retrieved the first aid box and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from the office. Together with two customers, they performed CPR compressions on the unconscious casualty while preparing the AED, strictly following procedures. They continued CPR until paramedics arrived.
We sat down with Helen and Jack to recount their heroic experience:
Q: How did you first learn about the incident?
Jack: Helen alerted me that a customer had fainted on the floor. I quickly grabbed the AED and first aid kit, and we rushed to assist.
Q: What prepared you to respond to this emergency?
Jack: Our mandatory first aid training course taught us how to use CPR and AED. That training really paid off in this situation.
Helen: Yes, our first aid training gave us the confidence to act swiftly.
Q: How did your training compare to the real-life experience?
Jack: Training with simulation dummies can't fully prepare you for the anxiety and panic that comes with a real emergency. But thankfully, my training kicked in, and I knew exactly what to do.
Helen: In training, we practiced on dummies without life signs or responses. Being able to help the person in need made our training more meaningful.
Q: What was your initial reaction when you saw the customer on the floor?
Helen: I remained calm, assessed the situation, and determined the best course of action.
Jack: My priority was to check the customer's vital signs and start CPR immediately.
Q: How does it feel to receive the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award?
Jack: It's an honor and a surprise! Knowing the customer survived makes it even more rewarding.
Helen: Honestly, saving a life was our only thought. Receiving this award is a wonderful recognition of our actions.
We would like to applaud the swift actions of Helen Hau and Jack Pei that serve as a shining example of Singapore Pools' dedication to customer well-being.