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Singapore Heart Foundation Sets New Record to Train Lifesaving Skills at Project Heart 2019
- Approximately 800 participants set an inaugural Singapore record for the most number of people certified with CPR+AED Mass Certification Training with Quality CPR Feedback within a day
- Launch of the AED Primary Care Initiative to encourage more GPs to install AED at their clinic
- Close to 30 first responders recognised at the Survivor Awards Ceremony
Singapore, 12 October 2019 – Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) marks the eighth edition of its annual Project Heart event with a line-up of activities held at the Singapore EXPO Convention & Exhibition Centre today. At the event, SHF achieved a new Singapore record of approximately 800 participants equipped with CPR+AED Mass Certification Training with Quality CPR Feedback in a day, and announced the launch of its AED Primary Care initiative. The event was graced by Guest of Honour, Mr Zainal Sapari, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
“More than 2,5001 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur every year in Singapore. For every minute that nothing is done to resuscitate the victim, their chance of survival drop by 7 to 10%. Therefore, it is vitally important that more Singaporeans are equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform effective CPR+AED, to respond when the time comes. For this year’s Project Heart, we achieved our target of certifying approximately 800 participants to set the inaugural Singapore record for the most number of people certified in CPR+AED in a day. It is heartening to see more Singaporeans recognise the importance of this lifesaving skill and step forward to get themselves certified,” shared Dr Chee Tek Siong, Organising Chairman of Project Heart 2019 and Board Member of Singapore Heart Foundation.
Singapore Book of Records: CPR+AED Mass Certification Training with Quality CPR Feedback
In an effort to get more people trained in CPR and the use of AED, SHF welcomed over approximately 800 participants, aged 11 – 75, to come together to set an inaugural Singapore record for the CPR+AED Mass Certification Training with Quality CPR Feedback. This year, the certification process has been improved with a new system to provide real-time results as a participant performs CPR on the manikin. This new Quality CPR Feedback system allows a more accurate assessment on the CPR administered, and aims to uphold a greater standard in the CPR training at Project Heart 2019.
Led by certified instructors from SHF and various other partnering agencies, participants were guided step-by-step through a seven-step procedure when performing CPR and using the AED on adult casualties. Participants who successfully completed the certification course were awarded with a CPR+AED certificate that is valid for 2 years.
Launch of the AED Primary Care Initiative
With the understanding that not all clinics have AEDs installed on-site, the AED Primary Care Initiative aims to equip more General Practitioners (GPs) with AEDs as well as relevant training to increase their readiness for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases. To encourage more clinics to participate, SHF will be providing complimentary Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)+AED certification training for each AED installed. Interested GPs can join this lifesaving initiative by approaching SHF via email to cpraed@heart.org.sg.
World Restart A Heart Initiative
The World Restart A Heart (WRAH) is a global initiative launched by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), with the aim to increase awareness of the importance of bystander CPR and to increase bystander CPR rates worldwide. The celebration of WRAH Day, held annually on 16 October, is led by the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council (SRFAC).
Lifesaving Heroes Recognised at the Survivor Awards Singapore 2019 Ceremony
In conjunction with the World Restart a Heart Day, which falls on 16 October annually, the Unit for Pre-hospital Emergency Care (UPEC) held the Survivor Awards Singapore ceremony at the event. Supported by SHF, the award recognises heroes who played a pivotal role in resuscitating cardiac arrest victims.
Close to 30 heroes received Certificates of Commendation, presented by the out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) survivors they saved. They include bystanders, dispatchers, fire fighters and paramedics.
“Because of the quick and decisive actions from my friends, bystanders and the staff with their knowledge of CPR+AED, coupled with the professionalism of the SCDF officers, it helped to save my life. I am truly blessed for the second chance in life. I have the opportunity to acquire CPR skills to help others and encouraged my company to install an AED in the premise. I hope more people can learn lifesaving skills to help save lives,” shared Mr Charleston Chua, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivor.
1 https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/community-volunteers/mobile-applications
