Advisory for Bystanders providing assistance in view of COVID-19 situation in Singapore

The Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council (SRFAC) has prepared the following advisory to help bystanders who would like to render aid in an emergency, to stay safe while helping others.

• Bystanders who are skilled, willing and able to assist in an emergency, are encouraged to step forward to provide first aid, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and/or use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to improve the casualties’ recovery or chances of survival.

• Always call 995 for an SCDF ambulance in an emergency. The dispatcher will guide you to perform first aid, CPR and/or use an AED on the casualty.

• The following personal safety precautions should be taken when rendering aid to others:
  • Bystander should wear a mask while rendering aid in an emergency.
  • Bystanders with immediate access to gloves, should wear them before attempting first aid, CPR and/or to use an AED.
  • Bystanders should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water; or use hand sanitizers to clean their hands as soon as possible after the casualty has been handed over to SCDF.

• For adults in cardiac arrest, high quality continuous chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth ventilations can save lives.

• Paediatric cardiac arrests are more often due to respiratory conditions. For infants and children who are in cardiac arrest, in addition to chest compression, CPR should be performed with ventilations if bystanders are skilled, willing and able. If they are unable or unwilling to provide mouth-to-mouth ventilation, they are encouraged to perform at least good quality chest compressions.

• Those who feel unwell after the incident must consult a medical practitioner immediately for further assessment.

• To aid in contact tracing efforts if the need arises, the rescuer is advised to note down the date, time and location of the emergency as well as the ambulance license number or the three digits on the side of the ambulance.

We thank you for stepping forward to help others in need and hope you stay well and healthy.