SINGAPORE – Lying face-up in a tight space surrounded by thick pieces of concrete, I felt my breathing quicken and my heart beat speed up.
I was playing the function of an earthquake survivor caught under debris at the Home Team Tactical Centre in Mandai while Timmy, a Singapore Civil Defence Force search dog, searched for me.
Hidden from view, my face, which was the only thing glancing through the concrete, was covered with a sheet of metal grating.
The presentation was performed in a regulated environment, and I used a helmet, safety vest and gloves.
Yet, I couldn’t help sensation nervous throughout the 7 to 10 minutes I was “trapped”. I envisioned being engulfed by the darkness as the concrete collapsed and squashed me.
It made me consider the survivors of the Turkey-Syria earthquake in February, the worry and sense of despondence they need to have felt. Some of them were caught under particles for more than 11 days prior to being rescued.
Peeking through a space in the concrete, I might see Timmy, a five-year-old golden cocker spaniel, weave through the debris with ease and dexterity.
He tracked me down utilizing his eager sense of odor and when he got nearer, his body tightened and he ended up being more alert.
Though he might notice my existence, he did not start barking till he ensured my area.
When he was straight above me, he barked loudly, signalling to his handler that I existed.
For a job well done, Timmy was rewarded with great deals of pats and play time with his preferred tennis ball.
I was simply grateful he didn’t take long to discover me, as I emerged from the debris with a big smile on my face.
