Singapore Heart Foundation sets goal of 1 million trained community first responders over next 5 years

So far this year, the foundation has trained about 4,500 people and hopes to more than double that to 10,000 by the end of 2026. In October, it will hold a free mass CPR training event named Project Heart, with the aim of training 1,000 people in a single day.

The organisation also plans to partner with skills training providers to roll out training programmes for the public, as well as with corporations to equip more employees at workplaces.

Additionally, it has been growing its pool of instructors by training aspiring healthcare professionals, including paramedic and nursing students who are already certified in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) skills. 

BEING THE FIRST TO RESPOND

Among the most active community first responders is 15-year-old Joshua Hiew, who learned CPR and AED skills in 2024 and has since responded to more than 50 cardiac emergencies on the myResponder app. 

“I have a bike that I use when responding to cardiac emergencies, equipped with life-saving tools and strobe lights to alert pedestrians to give way,” he said. 

Recalling a recent cardiac arrest case, Joshua said he had to put his nerves aside to focus on helping the victim.

“I felt nervous, but I had to remain calm. I tried my best and we gave the victim as much chance of survival as possible,” he told CNA.

“If no one did anything, the person will pass away.”