Passionate about leveraging his first aid skills for a good cause, Mike Chin, 57, has been volunteering as a Community First Aider at national and community events, and the First Aider on Wheels, where he provides first aid treatments to park-goers in need. He had undergone the comprehensive Volunteer Leadership Programme which groomed him to take on the role of a Volunteer Leader. He had gone beyond the call of duty to cover shifts for fellow team leaders, mediate disputes with maturity and compassion, replenish first aid supplies and ensure the timely delivery of first aid bags. His steadfast contributions did not go unnoticed. He will receive the Commendation Award at the Singapore Red Cross Awards 2024 for being part of the working committee that implemented operational improvements to the SRC, sustained over two years.

For Mike Chin, 57, the seeds of volunteering were sowed early in life through school programmes and subsequently, involvement with his church. 

Reflecting on his philosophy, he shared, "Volunteering is my way of giving back to the community, considering the many blessings I’ve received."

Post-pandemic, he stumbled on the news that the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) First Aider on Wheels  (FAOW) programme required more volunteers. Intrigued, he researched the opportunity and learned that FAOW volunteers provide first aid coverage at parks during weekends and public holidays. This sparked a memory of an incident years ago when a loved one sustained injuries in a crash, and Mike felt helpless. That experience spurred him to equip himself with first aid skills to be better prepared for future emergencies and motivated him to become a first aider. 

He registered to volunteer with the FAOW programme. After completing his Standard First Aid training, Mike joined the FAOW team, patrolling parks like East Coast Park in groups, ready to assist anyone in need. 

"Volunteering as a first aider enables us to help someone in our capacity," Mike noted. "We develop confidence that we have the knowledge and skills to step up and make a crucial difference in someone’s life."

Volunteering as a First Aider to Safeguard the Well-Being of Others  

As part of the FAOW team, Mike would patrol in groups of two or three along East Coast Park and keep on the lookout for people who require assistance. If park-goers sought help, he and the other volunteer first aiders would respond swiftly by administering first aid to them. 

Mike volunteers regularly, sometimes monthly or bi-monthly, and finds the experience deeply rewarding.  

Besides volunteering with the FAOW programme, Mike also serves as a Community First Aider at major events such as Chingay, Istana open house and the National Day celebrations. 

Through volunteering as a First Aider on Wheels and Community First Aider, Mike bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, honing his first aid proficiency as he gained exposure to real-life situations. 

"Training enabled us to identify key symptoms to look out for so we are prepared to respond in emergencies. It is important for volunteers to remain calm and observant," he emphasised.

Saving Lives as a First Aider

Volunteering gives Mike a strong sense of achievement. 

“Volunteering as a first aider enables us to help someone in our capacity. We develop confidence that we have the knowledge and skills to step up and make a crucial difference in someone’s life. That is very fulfilling. We serve as the critical bridge between an unforeseen accident and the arrival of assistance, which can make the difference between life and death,” opined Mike.

Apart from lending his first aid skills for a good cause, he also contributes to the SRC in another way. 

“I also double hat as a driving instructor for the orientation programme for the FAOW,” quipped Mike, who plays the saxophone, and engages in Chinese calligraphy and painting in his leisure. He also released a saxophone album on Spotify. 

Taking on the Role of a Volunteer Leader

Mike's dedication and invaluable contributions to helping others through first aid have not only been recognised but also celebrated. His exemplary leadership and commitment were further enhanced when he was selected to participate in the Volunteer Leadership Programme in August 2023. The training programme equipped him with essential skills and insights, paving the way for him to take on significant responsibilities as a volunteer leader.

"Besides getting to know other Volunteer Leaders, I learnt about leadership and management," Mike reflected.

As a Volunteer Leader, Mike manages volunteer teams, coordinates deployment schedules, oversees logistics, and ensures the effectiveness of the FAOW programme. His proactive engagement in understanding on-the-ground situations sharpens his decision-making and significantly boosts the team’s emergency response capabilities.

"I keep abreast of developments to comprehend the situational needs and concerns on-the-ground. This has not only honed my ability to think on my feet, but it has also amplified our team's response in emergencies," said Mike, who used to run a successful food and beverage business before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Receiving Commendation Award

Mike’s dedication has been pivotal to the success of the FAOW programme. Consistently going above and beyond, Mike often covers shifts for his fellow team leader, ensuring the programme’s seamless operations. His skilful mediation between team leaders and volunteers has resolved conflicts with a blend of maturity and compassionate guidance, addressing challenges in compliance and cooperation among volunteers. All these demonstrated Mike’s strong conflict-resolution skills. 

Moreover, Mike’s attention to detail, from replenishing first aid supplies to ensuring the timely delivery of first aid bags, has significantly bolstered the efficiency and effectiveness of the team. Besides his regular FAOW volunteering role, Mike also contributes innovative ideas to strengthen FAOW’s impact. His passion for the FAOW programme enhances the daily operations and inspires his peers to uplift the entire community. His dedication and contributions set a standard for excellence and he will be recognised at the SRC Awards 2024, where he will receive the Commendation Award.

"I’m very thankful to receive this award. I would like to share this honour with our FAOW team. It honours our spirit of solidarity and motivates us to continue serving the community," Mike said. 

His commitment and passion for the FAOW programme, are commendable. He played an instrumental role in ensuring the smooth operations of the FAOW programme at East Coast Park. 

Besides this, based on the needs on the ground, Mike also contributes innovative ideas to bolster the FAOW's impact. 

His unwavering dedication and tireless contributions will be recognised at the SRC Awards 2024, where he will receive the Commendation Award.

"I’m very thankful to receive this award. I would like to share this honour with our FAOW team. It honours our spirit of solidarity and motivates us to continue serving the community," Mike said. 

By Sourik Sinha, Volunteer
Copyedited by Foo Ming Yee, Volunteer and Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications