When the emergency alert buzzed on her SCDF myResponder app, 13-year-old Elina Chua knew she had to act fast. A cardiac arrest emergency had just been reported at a HDB block in Potong Pasir opposite their hostel, and without hesitation, she called her senior, 16-year-old Gracias Prasetyo, for help. Both girls, ASEAN scholars at Cedar Girls' School and Red Cross Youth (RCY) cadets, wasted no time and rushed to the location from their hostel at Saint Andrew’s Hall. What followed was a test of courage, composure, and the lifesaving skills they had acquired through Singapore Red Cross Academy (SRCA)’s training.

Elina, who dreams of becoming a doctor, was the first to see the alert. Without hesitation, she called her senior Gracias, and the two immediately rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found an 82-year-old elderly man lying motionless on his bed, his family paralysed with fear, unsure of what to do.

Gracias quickly took charge and responded using an acronym used in resuscitation training, “DRSABC”. Each letter represents an action: Danger (checking for hazards), Response (checking for responsiveness), Shout for help (calling for SCDF EMS 995), AED (retrieving the Automated External Defibrillator), Breathing (checking for breathing), CPR (performing chest compressions). Meanwhile, Elina dashed out to locate the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Youngest Responders, Strongest Hearts

As Elina went to locate an AED, she met a third responder who had already obtained one and he passed Elina the AED and she rushed back to the casualty’s flat where subsequently both Elina and Garcias set up the AED pads and continued their resuscitation procedures.

Shortly after, a fourth responder, Wayne Kwan, 37, a teacher at Yangzheng Primary School, arrived at the flat and was struck by what he saw — two of the youngest responders he had ever encountered, working with precision and confidence. Gracias continued CPR, ensuring proper techniques, and with every passing second, the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on her.

“These are the youngest responders I have ever encountered. This is their first case but they have executed everything single step in the most calm manner possible. Highly commendable!” he remarked.

Within minutes, Gracias managed to strengthen the victim’s pulse. Shortly after, SCDF paramedics arrived and took over, stabilising the man before transporting him to the hospital. Gracias and Elina had done their part. Their quick thinking and training had helped sustain a life until professional help arrived.

Why First Aid Training Matters

Looking back, both girls credit their ability to act under pressure to the rigorous training they received in RCY. 

“During such a tense moment, everything we learned in our training just kicked in,” said Elina. 

Gracias echoed the sentiment, adding, “Every life is precious. We should fight for the little chance that we have to save a life.”

With Singapore’s rapidly aging population, the importance of first aid has never been greater. Recognising this, the RCY program has revised its curriculum to include Standard First Aid (SFA) and BCLS+AED training, ensuring that young people are equipped with essential lifesaving skills.

“It is important that everyone learns CPR because we never know if this will happen to our friends or the people we love,” Elina emphasised. 

The girls also believe that true learning comes from passion and dedication. “People should be passionate about what we are learning and not simply be present because we have to. The learning attitude must be correct.”

Recognising Their Heroism

In recognition of their bravery and quick action, our Secretary-General / CEO, Mr Benjamin William, honoured Elina and Gracias during a school assembly. They were commended for their lifesaving efforts.

Mr William also left three key takeaways with the students — given Singapore’s aging population, more youths need to step up by equipping themselves with first aid and CPR skills, volunteering to befriend seniors, and advocating for blood donation to build the next generation of humanitarians.

A Call to Action

As Singapore continues its efforts to build a nation of lifesavers, their incident serves as an inspiring reminder that anyone, with the right training and mindset, can step up in times of need. With Total Defence Day approaching, the students' actions have certainly brought home the message that everyone can play a part, learn first aid and resuscitation skills today with the SRCA.