This World Red Cross Day, Saruveshvaran Jeeva’s story shows us how the movement continues to shape ordinary individuals into first responders in their own communities.

Just after midnight, the alert from the myResponder app cut through the stillness, loud enough for Saruveshvaran Jeeva to mistake it for a national emergency. Instead, it was a nearby cardiac arrest.

Within seconds, the 16-year-old Red Cross Youth (RCY) cadet was out the door.

For Saruvesh, responding to emergencies is not extraordinary, but the result of years of first aid training and lifesaving skills honed through RCY.

His journey with the Singapore Red Cross began at nine, when he joined the Red Cross Links in primary school. Now the vice-chairperson of his school’s RCY unit, his connection to the movement runs deep: he was also born on 8 May, World Red Cross Day.

“Because of that, many people find it meaningful that I ended up serving in the Singapore Red Cross. To me, I’m just someone who discovered a passion for helping and saving lives.”

Courage Is Acting in Spite of Fear

That night, everything he had learnt was put to the test.

When Saruvesh arrived at the scene, the weight of the situation set in almost immediately.

“I was only 15 at the time, so naturally I wondered if I was really ready. But I knew saving someone’s life depended on how quickly help arrived, and it was better to try my best than to do nothing.”

With no other responder on scene, he instantly checked the casualty for breathing and pulse before beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

“What pushed me forward was knowing that I had trained for moments like this. Fear was there, but responsibility was stronger.”

Despite his initial doubts, years of RCY training helped anchor Saruvesh in the moment. The steps drilled into him through training took over, allowing him to remain focused until the paramedics arrived.

Small Actions, Big Impact

It was his first time performing CPR on a real person, a stark contrast to the controlled environment during training.

“In practice, you know it’s just a dummy. But in a real situation, the pressure feels much heavier because every compression matters.”

What stayed with him the most was not just the intensity of the moment, but how precious time really is in an emergency.

“Before this incident, I understood that in theory. But after responding to an emergency in real life, I truly felt the difference that just a few minutes can make.”

While not every outcome is within his control, the experience reinforced why stepping forward still matters — that in those moments, you may be giving someone a fighting chance. And he believes this is something anyone can do.

His advice? Start small.

“Learn basic first aid and resuscitation skills. Even calling for help quickly, guiding responders to the scene, or supporting someone can make a real difference.”

His experience reflects this year’s World Red Cross Day theme, ‘United in Humanity,’ a reminder that those who step forward to help are often everyday people in our communities.

When we choose compassion and action, communities become stronger.