Quick-thinking SAF medic saves baby's life at Somerset MRT!

Chua Sen Yan, a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medic, has been highly praised by train operator SMRT for saving a baby's like at Somerset MRT on February 13th this year. 

According to a Facebook post by the Singapore Army just yesterday (Sunday 25 June), Mr Chua - who is an instructor at the SAF Medical Training Institute - was just about to get on a train at Somerset MRT when an announcement was made asking for immediate medical assistance. 

He promptly went to the Station Control room, and there he saw a motionless baby and the baby's mother, who was in tears. The baby was in the arms of the station manager. 

Mr Chua's medical training kicked in and, noticing the baby's lips were bluish in hue, promptly took the baby in his own arms and cleared the airway by applying back-blows between the little one's shoulder blades.

In their post, the Singapore Army commended Mr Chua for “his quick response and proficient medical aid", which without a doubt saved the baby's life.

On Monday June 19, Mr Chua - who holds the rank of Military Expert 2 (ME2) was presented with a letter of commendation by Mr. Siu Yow Wee, SMRT's Director of Station Operations. 

Commander of the SAF Medical Training Institute Lo Hong Yee was also present at the occasion.

The importance of knowing what to do

The baby and mummy were extremely lucky to have Mr Chua right there at that moment. Had he not been there, the ending could very well have been tragic. 

This incident reminds us all to enroll ourselves and other caregivers of our children, in basic first-aid training for infants and children.

Armed with this knowledge, you would know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency with your child. As you know, every second counts when it comes to emergency situations with little ones. 

Singapore First Aid Training Centre offers a Child First Aid Course for Infant/ Child Care Providers. 

Click this link for contact details and more information.