Endoh’s Dungeon

What do you guys feel about it? Is it even a viable option and necessity in Singapore? And even if we implement such a curriculum requirement, at what stages of our schooling life should this be implemented?

As a bunch of us sat through the post-service lunch discussion, our conversation drew weird stares from neighbouring tables at Singapore Expo. If we were to do an open presentation of this idea, I think we are going to draw even more stares from the public. Maybe because we sounded too novel…

The casual discussion sprung up when we started talking about the wars going around, and we found ourselves stumbled over the eventual question - who can we depend on to save our lives? I came up with the concept of… “Everyone Can Save Everyone”. But whether we are able to, that’s another issue.

I just felt we have all been relying on our civil service too much. Relying on them not because we trust their abilities or skills, but sometimes relying on them can point to the fact we have nobody else to turn to. Imagine that a chemical warfare does indeed break out in Singapore, can we actually trust that the government has enough medical supplies to cater to each and everyone? Of course, most Singaporeans would say the likelihood of such a situation is pathetically marginal.

What about day-to-day situations like road accidents? Domestic accidents in our living areas?

Based on the concept of “Everyone Can Save Everyone”, each citizen (or at least most citizens) are equipped with a certain skill which can help in saving the life of another. We have constituency leaders I am sure but without people with skills, who are they going to lead anyway? Especially in the event of a mass outbreak, I assure you seeking help will take up a considerable amount of time with our civil service structure. So the best option would be to depend on ourselves, instead of depending on others to send help to our doorstep.

The other thing I figured was, we mostly spent more time seeking help than actually rendering help to somebody in need of attention. Imagine if you come across a very terrible accident, what would you do for the victim? Well, most of us would stand aside and call for aid in fact. It’s not because we are unwilling to help, but most of us are not equipped with practical skills on dealing with stuffs like major blood veins eruption or post-accident trauma. There’s nothing we can do other than to summon the professionals.

What IF, there is something in us which can prolong the survivability of such a victim until the professional arrives? What IF, on-site help for a victim can relieve the professionals to attend to another accident elsewhere?

With more than 4.5 million population, planting such knowledge into the entire system right away is almost impossible. Say, we give ourselves 5 years to 30 years to start a compulsory First Aid course in all secondary schools, will it help in the long run? Will it provide us with more citizens on the road everyday with a certain skill that can be used anytime? Afterall, how many cars in Singapore is stocked up with full set of first aid kit in the car even though car manufacturers have already built a standard option into our vehicles? I think the figure will be pathetic.

At the end of this 30 years enrichment program, does it mean we will be having more life-skilled Singaporeans walking among us? It’s possible, but also a difficult factor to manage. Given the fact that the first aid license have to be renewed after a period of time by sitting through another practical test, how many Singaporeans will continue to sit for the test and certify themselves for such abilities? Will providing incentives encourage Singaporeans to continue with their tests and render themselves as first aiders?

The other problem is also dependent on our perception of a suitable age to be given such skills. Primary schools are definitely too young but we can’t say every Singaporean will be able to progress into tertiary studies due to competitiveness. That leaves us with the option of Secondary schools which the majority of us definitely go through as a bare minimum. Can Singaporeans hold trust in a 14-16 yr old teen providing medical help just about anywhere on the street when required? I am not too sure though, my instincts tell me not many will be able to trust a teen in that situation.

Will such programs further enhance our population on civic-mindedness, or social responsibilities? That’s also a very difficult question for me to answer. But the benefits of such a program (if it’s even implemented successfully) is huge, both of personal and national interest.

Tricky situation, a penny for your thoughts?