Train to Play, Train to Save

by Azzahra Osman

Emergencies, especially cardiac arrests, often strike without warning. This was a harsh reality for Fook Mun’s teammates from Sheares Old Boys Football Association (SOFA) when he suddenly collapsed after a game.

Almost a year after his cardiacarrest experience, Fook Mun, his wife Wai Ching and his SOFA teammates attended a CPR+AED certification course at the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Wellness Centre. They realised that it was essential to be prepared for emergencies — whether it involves a teammate, a loved one or even a stranger. After all, Fook Mun’s life was saved by a bystander.

He has no memory of what happened when he collapsed. “Everything I know is from what others told me,” he said, as he recounted the event. His teammate Craig, who had played alongside him, recalled that Fook Mun had complained of persistent chest pain during and after the game. Although he sat out for part of the match, he joined the team for their usual post-game dinner ata nearby coffee shop. But on the ride there, seated in the back of his teammate’s car, Fook Mun suddenly collapsed. By chance, a group of veterinarians from a nearby clinic happened to be walking past and two of them immediately stepped in to perform CPR.

He was told later that he had suffered two cardiac arrests – one in the car and another in
the ambulance. Paramedics continued to perform CPR until they reached the hospital. This was not SOFA’s first encounter with a tragic event.

Thirteen years ago, a teammate named Ramesh also collapsed during a game but did not survive. At that time, no one was trained in CPR and AEDs were not readily available. The contrast between then and now is stark. It is as a strong reminder of how far we have come and how far we still need to go.

After spending 30 years with SOFA, Fook Mun had to hang up his boots. As someonewho naturally enjoys sports and social interaction, he finds it difficult to adjust to the absence of team camaraderie. “It’s a constant struggle,” he admits. Although he remains active, he now exercises on his own.

However, Fook Mun recognisesthe need for peer support in the journey of recovery from cardiac arrest. He affirms that many survivors tend to suffer from depression in the aftermath of a health episode. While he feels that he is relatively strong mentally, there are times when he is overwhelmed by negative thoughts. “It’s important to seek help,” he says, affirming how difficult it could be to cope on your own.

To stay connected and supported, Fook Mun is now an active member of the Cardiac Arrest Survivors’ Club. The club is a peerled support group where survivors and caregivers come together to support one another and rebuild their lives. Through regular activities like discussions, nature walks and makan sessions, the club provides a sense of belonging and emotional support. Fook Mun finds these gatherings with fellow survivors especially meaningful, helping him stay motivated. He is able to maintain a positive outlook.

Despite his lifestyle changes Fook Mun emphasises the importance of having a sense
of normality while living with a heart condition. Occasionally, he enjoys an indulgent meal, a glass of wine or a serving of red meat. He says life would be very boring otherwise. Now in his 60s, he is eager to embrace every moment of life after surviving a cardiac arrest.

Amidst this challenge, Wai Ching has been his biggest rock. She has been by his side throughout all his lifestyle changes and has even adopted the changes herself. “Everything needs to have a balance. Just chill!” Wai Ching laughs, gently encouraging Fook Mun during the interview. Fook Mun’s experience serves as a wake-up call to the members of SOFA, who have decided to get trained in CPR and AED at SHF, to be better prepared for future emergencies. “We came here to learn the skills so that we can help our friends in case such an incident happens again,” Fook Mun’s teammate, PC, shares. “We can save a life and not panic when an emergency happens.” Fook Mun encourages everyone, especially those active in sports, to learn CPR and how to use an AED. Having witnessed several cases of cardiac arrest over the years, he firmly believes it could happen to anyone, no matter how fit or healthy the person may seem.

Learn CPR+AED today with the Singapore Heart Foundation. With the skills you’ve gained, you can help save a precious life anytime, anywhere.