First-aid post in increasingly popular Ubin long overdue

I refer to the report “NParks eyes first-aid facility on Pulau Ubin” (Jan 19). The idea of setting up a first-aid facility on the island is a timely move and should have been done long ago.

Over the years, I have seen throngs of cyclists going to Singapore’s only remaining kampung island to enjoy the breathtaking thrills of off-road cycling. I have been visiting the island since 1977, when I led a group of more than 80 cyclists.

The island then was extremely wild, thick with vegetation and bustling with villagers congregating to watch wayang shows and for temple prayers.

There were few cycling shops, yet many accidents occurred because of carelessness and medical facilities were not available.

I witnessed a serious bike accident 15 years ago in which a woman was flung off her bike as she rode down a steep slope. She had to be tied onto a stretcher and transferred to a hospital on the mainland via a police coastal patrol vessel.

Time is critical when it comes to life and death matters, and a first-aid facility or medical centre could have rendered her some immediate help.

Over the years, the island has become a favourite haunt for leisure cyclists and serious mountain bikers. However, it appears that it never dawned on the authorities to set up some form of medical centre or first-aid facility in case of any injuries arising from biking accidents.

With Pulau Ubin becoming more attractive to Singaporeans and tourists intrigued by the island’s rustic charm and rich biodiversity — in contrast to the hyper-modern city on the mainland — the setting up of a medical centre would be timely.

Beyond cycling accidents, a first-aid facility could also provide medical assistance to those who suffer from other ailments, such as heart stroke, pulled muscles and sprains when participating in nature walks and other activities on the island.