SMRT staff and members of the public save child who turned blue at Somerset MRT

The life of a young child was saved at Somerset MRT station last month, thanks to two SMRT staff, a Certis Cisco Security Officer, an SAF medic and a nurse, an SMRT spokesperson said.

In a post posted on the SMRT Facebook page yesterday (Mar 14), the transport operator praised their staff and members of the public for their courage and public-spiritedness.

While on duty at Somerset Station on Feb 13, security officer Punitha noticed a crying mother and her child.

Realising that something was amiss, Punitha informed the Station Manager, William, and Assistant Station Manager Kuldip.

William noticed that the boy’s lips were blue in colour and his eyes were not moving, and he quickly carried the baby from the mother.

As Kuldip made an announcement to seek help from members of the public, William tried to open the child’s mouth to ensure that his airway was not blocked, and patted the baby gently on his back.

Upon hearing the announcement, an SAF medic stepped forward to help William and calmed the mother down.

“It was not long before the child started to respond. A nurse also rushed over to offer assistance to ensure that his airway was fully cleared,” the post said.

“The team also advised the mother to bring the child for further medical attention at the nearest hospital,” it added.

The father of the child, Kelvin Wong, said: “We really want to thank everyone who came forward to help. At that point in time, my wife did not know who to approach but these people came forward to help.

“They were very professional and we really appreciate it.”

Station Master William shared that he felt nervous and scared, as it was the first time they were handing such a situation.

Assistant Station Master Kuldip added, “The most important thing that was on our minds was to save the child. We cried tears of relief and joy when the child responded.”