Everyday Heroes Who Step In First
Across Singapore, registered community responders receive alerts through the myResponder mobile app for nearby medical emergencies and minor fires. As of mid‑2025, over 170,000 volunteers have registered, responding over 12,000 cases, including more than 8,000 cardiac arrests and 4,000 fire incidents. These are often life-or-death calls handled before SCDF arrives.
Sylvia Tan: From Psychology Student to Lifesaver
In November 2023, 21-year-old Sylvia Tan, a psychology student residing in Whampoa, rushed down 14 storeys after receiving a cardiac arrest alert. She found a familiar newsvendor performing ineffective CPR, with an AED unopened nearby. Taking charge, she provided proper chest compressions and guided others to use the AED. Within minutes, the victim’s pulse returned as paramedics arrived. Sylvia is one of many whose calm intervention helped save a life.
Bernard Boey and Kevin Loh: Lives Saved, Families At Ease
Software engineer Bernard Boey overcame imposter syndrome to attend around 14 emergencies since joining myResponder in 2019. He improvised with water bottles to tackle minor fires and assisted in multiple cases. Meanwhile, 28-year-old nurse Kevin Loh has responded to nearly 100 cardiac arrests since 2016, keeping a portable AED on his motorcycle, ensuring swift action even in unexpected emergencies. Their response often buys vital minutes before SCDF arrives.
SCDF and the Evolution of myResponder
Launched in 2015, myResponder offers location-based alerts, AED maps, guided first-aid instructions, and easy access to SCDF communications. Recent enhancements, expected through 2025, include wider alert ranges (up to 1.5 km), seamless responder coordination, video guidance, and in-app wellbeing support for responders.
SCDF recognises the vital role of responders with awards like the Community Lifesaver Award, reinforcing Singapore’s collective response readiness.
Community Spirit That First Responds
As Singapore celebrates its 60th year, those quietly waiting for alerts on their phones embody what SG60 stands for: courage, readiness, and community compassion.
These digital civic volunteers—Sylvia, Bernard, Kevin, and thousands more—show that heroism isn’t about uniforms, but about hearts that respond. Their readiness makes Singapore safer and more caring, minute by minute.
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