At first glance, there might not be many similarities between a paramedic and a cabin crew member. However, both jobs share a core principle: providing exceptional service and rendering care to those in need. Just ask Singapore Airlines flight steward Jeffrey Tay, who successfully made the transition from the ambulance to the aircraft cabin in 2022.
Making life-saving decisions on the ground
Before joining Singapore Airlines, Jeffrey served with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for six years – two as an emergency medical technician and four as a paramedic. “Back then, I specialised in pre-hospital emergency care, ensuring patients’ vitals were stabilised before transporting them to the nearest appropriate hospital,” he shares.
His role exposed him to a range of challenging situations and saw him make many important life-saving decisions on the ground. “I attended to a wide variety of cases daily, ranging from medical to trauma patients. Sometimes, I would also be involved in rescue-related operations such as trapped civilians or mass casualty incidents,” he recalls.
Bringing World Class service to the skies
After years of being on the front line, Jeffrey decided it was time for a career switch. “In SCDF, I really enjoyed interacting with patients from all walks of life. Similarly, I felt that being a cabin crew member would enable me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and allow me to appreciate the world from a different perspective,” he says. “Plus, as Singapore Airlines is known for its service delivery, I thought I should give it a shot working in a high-altitude environment.”
Today, Jeffrey brings the lessons he learned in his former career – including his knowledge of first aid and CPR – on board, rendering medical assistance to those in need. “Treating so many patients during my time with SCDF has allowed me to comfortably interact with customers and better understand their needs. I’m able to empathise with them and give them necessary attention,” he says.
For example, he recently came to the aid of a five-year-old child who was experiencing a headache. “I reassured the child’s mother and gathered information about the child’s condition. After carrying out the necessary checks, I consulted with the mother before offering medication for the child’s headache,” he recalls.
Just like in the emergency services, safety is paramount on board, as Jeffrey notes. “Cabin crew members are always mentally prepared for any situations that may occur, and are constantly on the lookout for any anomalies,” he says. “In addition, all cabin crew members are certified first aiders. In a medical situation, we will always check on the affected passenger every 15 minutes to ensure their wellbeing throughout the flight.”
For Jeffrey, the customer always comes first. “Back when I was a paramedic, I always wanted my patients and their family members to have a positive impression of my crew’s service, no matter how sombre the situation may be. At Singapore Airlines, I hold the same belief,” he shares. “At the end of the day, both paramedics and cabin crew members have a common goal – to ensure customers are happy and well taken care of.”
Enjoying every minute of the journey
Granted, Jeffrey’s career switch hasn’t been without its challenges. “It’s been a huge change of environment for me – from working 35,000ft in the air to learning how to be independent while overseas,” he admits. “However, my career journey with Singapore Airlines has been really enjoyable so far. I’ve learnt many problem-solving skills, which will stay with me for life.”
Jeffrey especially relishes the opportunity to travel the world with Singapore Airlines. His favourite city? “I especially love Copenhagen as it’s one of the safest places in the world and is filled with friendly people. The public transportation system there runs 24/7, which means I’m able to explore a different area of the city any time of the day,” he shares.
Being a cabin crew member has also changed Jeffrey’s perspective on life, helping him realise that home is where the heart is. “I’ve learnt to appreciate the time I spend with my family more now,” he reflects. “What’s more, I always feel a sense of belonging whenever we land back in Singapore, because that’s when I know I’m home.”
