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Preserve Life: 30 Years of Lifesaving Training
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, we would like to introduce a ‘shero’ – Jeslyn Tan, a veteran instructor in first aid and resuscitation. Her passion and enthusiasm for lifesaving training have made her the perfect profile for a new series of stories on chief instructors volunteering at the Singapore Heart Foundation.
By JOANNE SU
1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and… 30 years?!
In 1992, I received a letter asking me to join St John Singapore as a full-time first aid lecturer. I was with St John for 18 years till I struck out on my own as a freelance instructor in 2010, and I’m still at it. This is my 30th year as an instructor.
In the early days when you first started out, were there many female instructors?
I can’t speak for the whole of Singapore but for St John, there were fewer than five. And they were coming in to train on a voluntary basis. I was the only full-time female instructor.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction as an instructor?
Having participants tell me confidently, “Yes, now I know what to do [to preserve life]” when we come to the end of training. This is the satisfaction I get.
After 30 years in training, how do you keep things fresh?
By learning from the young. My youngest daughter, Zoey is also an instructor and I’ve learned so much just from observing her. She made me realise that our teaching method was very boring last time! It’s from her that I’ve learned to be more interactive during training.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to #EmbraceEquity in first aid and resuscitation?
Recently, I trained some participants who refused to touch the manikin with a female vest. They said they wouldn’t touch a woman if she collapsed in public. So I asked, “What if this was your wife and there were no other women around to help, only men who thought like you?” You are just trying to help a life. That’s it, don’t think too much. Just remember, preserve life.
