Written by: Ng Qian Yu, Clarissa Tan Hexin, Miriam Victoria Wei Jia Qi
It was just like any ordinary Wednesday morning on November 15 in 2024.
The campus was bustling with activity and lessons were taking place in the classroom. But things quickly took a serious turn when a cleaner collapsed near the spiral staircase at Temasek Polytechnic’s (TP) Block 26B, Level 1. Unconscious and unresponsive, the situation was dire and his condition was critical, with every minute counting.
Until three brave individuals– Yakes Sivanathan, Colin Cheong and Koh Jun Yi, stepped forward to help without hesitation.
Wasting no time, these students immediately called for help. Under the guidance of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) the trio performed CPR . Their ability to think quickly on their feet, their exceptional teamwork and taking decisive action under high-stress and urgent circumstances all contributed to the successful stabilisation of the cleaner before the paramedics took over his care.
This was how Yakes, Colin and Jun Yi navigated this near life-or-death situation with extraordinary composure, resourcefulness and collaboration.
PHOTO: Ng Qian Yu
rising to the challenge
Immediate attention was crucial to assess the spontaneous incident. It was a race against time, for every second wasted contributed to determining the fate of the cleaner. Fortunately, Yakes, a year one student from the Diploma of Business, spotted the cleaner’s collapse by the spiral staircase during his break. Springing into action, he ran over to check on the cleaner.
“He wasn’t really breathing. His value (heart rate) was going up, and that worried me. I decided to call for assistance because I didn’t know what to do,” Yakes shared.
After informing two female students in the area to call for help, Yakes stayed with the cleaner to monitor his welfare. Meanwhile, the two female students managed to find a class of students closest to the area of the incident and sought help from a lecturer.
“I was having a lesson at the classroom nearest to where he collapsed, and these two girls came knocking on the door and alerted me to the situation. So I went out, followed by my student Jun Yi and we assessed the situation,” Colin, a lecturer with the Diploma in International Trade & Logistics said.
When Colin and Jun Yi approached the site of the incident, they made the decision to contact the SCDF. Yakes dialed the emergency hotline and got in touch with an SCDF operator. Under the professional assistance of an operator, Jun Yi began to perform CPR on the cleaner. With the SCDF operator monitoring their actions through a video call, the team’s coordinated efforts ensured that critical life-saving measures were administered before the paramedics arrived.
An SCDF paramedic later pointed out that their prompt intervention had significantly improved the cleaner’s chances of survival. Fortunately, the cleaner is now recuperating under close supervision in the hospital.
For their efforts, Colin, Yakes and Jun Yi were presented a letter of commendation and a token of appreciation from TP.
PHOTO: Ng Qian Yu
courage in action
In moments of crisis, the instinct to act or hesitate can define the outcome. For Yakes, Colin, and Jun Yi, the decision was clear — they stepped forward with unwavering courage. Yakes’s quick thinking to contact emergency services set the life-saving process in motion, while Colin and Jun Yi overcame their fear of making a mistake by following the SCDF responder’s instructions.
“Every minute matters, so honestly, if you see some fainted guy, just call 995 and ask them for guidance, even if you’re stressed out, they will take you through the process,” Yakes shared, emphasizing the importance of taking action despite fear. Their ability to remain composed under immense pressure highlights their bravery and dedication to helping others, even in unpredictable circumstances. This act of courage showcases the importance of readiness and compassion in critical moments.
PHOTO: Ng Qian Yu
strength in unity
Besides their bravery and quick-thinking, the seamless coordination between the three of them was also key to the positive outcome of the emergency. Yakes’ quick-thinking action in seeking help complemented Colin and Jun Yi’s determination to carry out CPR.
“I’m glad that I had both of them with me, because doing it by myself would have been very challenging,” Colin reflected.
Each of them played a vital role, demonstrating the power of teamwork in high-stress situations. Their clear communication and trust in one another allowed them to act efficiently and effectively.
Jun Yi added, “I think everyone shouldn’t be afraid to step up, every small effort counts and matters, and it could go a long way to saving one’s life.”
