It takes heart to save a life

Published on 29 September 2024

Proper training was crucial when Mr Aqil bin Azmi had to perform CPR during his father’s cardiac emergency. He shares his experience below.

Never did Mr Aqil bin Azmi think he would have to use his cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training to save a family member’s life. He remembers the day vividly.

On 13 April 2024, after a late night of Hari Raya visits, the family was settling down when panic struck. As Mr Aqil, 30, was preparing for bed, his mother burst into his room, frantic. His father, Mr Azmi bin Said, who had gone to sleep earlier, appeared to be choking and could not breathe.

Acting quickly, Mr Aqil assessed the situation and recognised that his father was in cardiac arrest. Drawing on the CPR skills he learnt during basic military training, he calmly instructed his family to call an ambulance, fetch the automated external defibrillator (AED) from the apartment block’s lift lobby and clear the way into his parents’ room.

He then began performing CPR, carefully monitoring the time – a critical step, as it helps assess changes in cardiac rhythm and ensures the correct number of compressions. Time is crucial because every minute without CPR reduces the chances of survival. 

After 13 minutes and two AED shocks, paramedics arrived and took over, administering the third AED shock. Mr Azmi, 57, was rushed to the National University Hospital (NUH), where he had to be revived multiple times as his heart stopped over 30 times over the next 24 hours. He was then admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) where he was attended to by a multi-disciplinary team from the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS).

Though he stayed calm during the crisis, the emotional toll hit Mr Aqil afterward. He experienced intense flashbacks for days, sometimes struggling to approach his father in the hospital. Mr Aqil spoke to his mother about it, and gradually managed to gather the strength to see and touch him. 

After four days in the CCU, Mr Azmi regained consciousness but had no memory of the life-threatening episode. After his discharge, he returned to NUHCS to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted to monitor his heart. He now goes for monthly check-ups at NUHCS.

Photo: Mr Aqil Bin Azm

Training and staying calm

CPR is a critical life-saving skill that restores breathing and circulation when the heart suddenly stops. As in Mr Azmi’s case, early CPR can make all the difference. Not only did Mr Aqil rely on technical knowledge gained in his CPR training, he remembered to keep his cool to deliver CPR effectively and manage the situation at hand.

“Mr Aqil had the presence of mind to deliver high-quality CPR to his father when he needed it,” said  A/Prof James Yip, Executive Director of NUHCS. “He knew where the AED was in his estate and instructed his sister to get it. He even managed to deliver two life-saving shocks to his father before the Singapore Civil Defence Force team arrived to deliver the third shock.

“It takes a strong heart… to save a loved one’s heart,” Prof Yip added.

Prof Yip attributed Mr Azmi’s recovery without any serious physical or mental impairment – after being successfully treated in hospital – to Mr Aqil. “This is rare and truly inspirational!” Prof Yip said.

Dr Yeo Wee Tiong, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS, who has been following up with Mr Azmi, emphasised how essential prompt CPR is. “Research shows every minute that CPR is delayed decreases the odds of survival by about 10 per cent,” he said. “Having a bystander perform CPR doubles or triples the chances of somebody surviving.

“Prompt CPR saves lives. There is no doubt about it.” 

For Mr Aqil, his father’s survival is the greatest reward. “My father dotes on my son, his first grandson, a lot,” he said, “and I feel very thankful to have my dad around to celebrate my son’s birthday.”

In consultation with A/Prof James Yip, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, and Executive Director, and Dr Yeo Wee Tiong, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS.