LIFE has taken a newfound significance for two survivors of cardiac arrest, Wong Kean Hoe, 53, and Ng Lian Chye, 52.
Both individuals have made a solemn commitment to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, a skill that played a significant role in saving their lives when they suffered sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) in Butterworth and Permatang Tinggi, respectively.
Their shared mission is to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to assist others should they find themselves in a similar life-threatening situation.
Both attended an AED installation ceremony at Auto City in Juru, Seberang Perai, today in a show of support for the availability of life-saving devices, like automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The installation of the AED device at Auto City was made possible with the partnership among corporate-public-government for the community’s benefit, with the event being officiated by Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen. It was placed prominently in front of the Suite Hotel.
Among those present at the event were Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung, Penang Heart Safe Society president Datuk Dr Luah Lean Wah, Auto City managing director Gary Teoh, ZOLL national sales manager Eric Khoo and Permatang Tinggi Residents Association chairman Goh Son Weng.
On Aug 18 this year, Wong, a self-employed machine designer, suddenly collapsed while playing futsal with some friends at a court in Mak Mandin.
He stopped breathing and had no pulse, prompting a teammate to initiate CPR while another called the ambulance.
A volunteer, who learned of the emergency, rushed to the scene with his own AED. With the assistance of the AED, two electric shocks were administered, successfully revitalising Wong’s heart rate and respiration.
After a harrowing 15 minutes of CPR and AED application, Wong was sent to Seberang Jaya Hospital. Subsequently, he was transferred to Penang Hospital where he underwent quadruple bypass surgery on Sept 6.
Prior to this, Wong had four stent procedures done on him in the last 18 years, with the most recent one done three years ago.
When asked about his plans to return to playing futsal, Wong said he would seek a doctor’s advice first.
“I’m thankful to be alive. There were no symptoms before I suffered the sudden cardiac arrest. I was quite fit; I played futsal every Friday.
“I’ve been telling people that when you collapse (from a SCA), you have no awareness. The next thing you know, you wake up in a hospital.
“I have been given a second lease on life. After this incident, I cherish every day. I wake up feeling different every day.
“Everyone should learn CPR, and I want to learn it so I can help others if the need arises. You never know when your life will cross that line,” Wong said.
For Ng, his SCA occurred while playing badminton at the Church of the Holy Name of Mary hall on Aug 29.
His wife, Wang Siew Gwek, who was present during the incident, was the first to perform CPR on him. Subsequently, their friends joined in, including utilising the church’s AED.
Ng was then immediately transported to Bukit Mertajam Hospital and subsequently transferred to Gleneagles Hospital where he underwent triple bypass surgery on Sept 2.
“My husband was sitting down and chatting with friends after playing a game. He suddenly collapsed, and I was shocked.
“I asked if anyone knew how to perform CPR but there was no response. So, I quickly administered chest compression based on what I remembered from a CPR lesson I attended years ago.
“Then, other friends came to help. We’re grateful to God for this second chance. Now, my husband has expressed his intention to learn CPR and AED usage to help others should the need arise,” Wang said.
Story by K.H. Ong and Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and courtesy of interviewees