In his miraculous recovery, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat paid tribute to his Cabinet colleagues who are doctors for their resuscitation efforts when he collapsed from a stroke ("Heng's 'miraculous, quick recovery'"; June 26).

Two factors are critical in the immediate aftermath of a collapse. The first is time. The commencement of resuscitation efforts, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), immediately is vital. To await the arrival of the paramedics would mean precious minutes would have been wasted.

The second factor is to have effective CPR performed by proficient persons in the immediate vicinity.

The authorities should include the instruction of basic CPR in our school curriculum. National servicemen should also be similarly instructed.

In fact, everyone should be equipped with such skills so that when the situation calls, we are not found wanting.

Ng Pau Ling