Off-duty Khoo Teck Puat Hospital nurses help man who went into cardiac arrest at basketball game

Three nurses from the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) were recently praised for their actions after a man suddenly went into cardiac arrest during a basketball game near the hospital. The incident, reported on August 14 by KTPH on Facebook, involved nurses Eroe Berbenzana, Benson Salvador Li Hian, and Dioanes Barcelon Urcia, who frequently played basketball together as part of a KTPH interest group.

When a player collapsed on the court, the three nurses quickly realized the severity of the situation. Berbenzana promptly recognized the man was experiencing a heart attack, but later understood the situation was far worse as he had no pulse, indicating cardiac arrest.

Taking immediate action, the nurses called the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for assistance, with Urcia retrieving an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Salvador staying with the patient. A bystander was already performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while they awaited help.

Once the AED arrived, Berbenzana and Salvador applied it to the man, following the device's guidance. They delivered a shock when advised, continuing CPR as they remained on site until SCDF paramedics took over. The man's pulse returned, and he was quickly transported to KTPH in an ambulance where he regained consciousness.

Berbenzana described the relief felt upon the man's awakening, while Urcia pointed out the challenges of providing emergency care outside a clinical setting, highlighting the need for quick assessment, limited resources, and the strengthening of adrenaline. Both nurses emphasized that their training came into play despite the off-duty conditions, providing them the confidence to respond.

The nurses were honored with the SCDF Community First Responder Award and Community Lifesaver Award for their courageous actions during the emergency.