Commited to first aid:
part 2
“Helping others helps me”
SINGLED-MINDED PURSUIT: Yu Ping’s passion for first aid was sparked in her youth. Today, she is a first aid instructor who equips people with the skills to help others.
By Nur Irdina Bte Mohd Fadzli and Cassandra Lau, Diploma in Mass Communications, Republic Polytechnic
As a volunteer first aid instructor with the Singapore Red Cross Academy, Low Yu Ping is driven by her passion to save lives.
Though Ms Low Yu Ping graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education in May 2013, she decided not to pursue a career as a childcare teacher as she wanted to do more to serve the community.
Today, she specialises in occupational therapy as a third-year student of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and volunteers as a freelance First Aid Instructor with the Singapore Red Cross Academy (SRCA). At SRCA, she teaches first aid to the public and Red Cross Youth Cadets.
Where it all began
Yu Ping’s interest in first aid began when she joined Red Cross Youth (RCY) as a co-curriculum activity (CCA) in secondary school.
RCY is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world – the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It incorporates character building, leadership, essential life-saving skills, blood donation knowledge, local community service and overseas humanitarian projects in its curriculum, with the Red Cross ethos and service to humanity as core areas of focus.
After she graduated, she took on the role of a first aid instructor with the Singapore Red Cross Academy (SRCA) and has been teaching for almost five years now.
Her most memorable incident was when she responded to a cardiac arrest case with her friend while they were conducting a First Aid Gold Modular Workshop for the RCY cadets in a secondary school.
Upon arrival at the scene, a team of paramedics was already attending to the casualty who was a resident of one of the HDB flats nearby.
As the paramedics were busy setting up some equipment for the casualty, Yu-Ping and her friend eased the workload of the paramedics by performing chest compressions on the casualty while gathering relevant information from the casualty’s family members.
In the wise words of Garth Brooks, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Yu Ping and her friend were recognised and commended by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) for stepping forward to assist those in need.
The encounter not only enriched her experience, but it also reminded her of her role as a first aid instructor.
“A first aid instructor aims to promote confidence in all the trainees. Armed with first aid skills, they can help someone in need of assistance. I would like to urge people not to be afraid, but take a step forward,” said Yu Ping, who at 28, is one of the youngest First Aid Instructors at the Academy.
NEVER STOP LEARNING: Currently pursuing her studies in Occupational Therapy, Yu Ping aspires to join the allied healthcare sector as an occupational therapist while being a volunteer First Aid Instructor with the Singapore Red Cross Academy.
Juggling studies and volunteer work
It is not an easy feat juggling her studies in Occupational Therapy and volunteer work as a First Aid Instructor. Yet, it is the passion that drives her.
“All humans need a recharge button. When I teach first aid in class, that’s my recharge button,” she added.
Her personal motto is: Do what you love and love what you do. She believes that if you put your heart into the task at hand, you will excel in it.
Her passion for first aid inspired her to consider a career in the healthcare industry. She opted to study occupational therapy because occupational therapists treat the disabled, ill or injured patients and help them improve and regain the skills they need for day-to-day activities. This is aligned with what she does in first aid.
While teaching first aid requires much time and effort, she sees it as a refreshing change from her academic studies.
“When you want to do it, go for it. No matter how tiring it might be, self-care is still important,” says Yu Ping, with a smile beaming across her face.
Yu Ping conducts lifesaving skills training for students after school, as part of an event she planned for the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapy Student committee.
Words of Wisdom
For those who wish to follow in her footsteps, Yu Ping says the journey of acquiring the title of a First Aid Instructor is not a walk in the park, as one has to go for certification and a number of attachments. But it is a worthwhile cause.
As a former RCY cadet, she has this advice for those planning to join RCY as a CCA, “Keep learning, keep growing, maintain a growth mindset and learn everything that is taught. If you are really passionate about saving people, you will learn a lot more in RCY and you will realise that RCY is more than just helping people and doing first aid.”
On her future plans, Yu-Ping says she hopes to pursue a career in occupational therapy and to continue as a freelance First Aid Instructor who advocates the importance of first aid in the community.
