Boy looked lifeless when rescued... his mouth was burnt,' says doc who helped River Valley fire victims

Dr Laura Biffin was working in her clinic in River Valley Road on April 8 when she heard a commotion coming from Tomato Cooking School, located down the road.

- Claudia Tan and Joakim Kang

The family physician ran outside and saw that a shophouse, which the cooking school was located in, was on fire.

Dr Biffin, 38, saw children being evacuated to another shophouse and went to help examine those hurt in the blaze.

A 10-year-old Australian girl died and 21 others were injured.

The casualties included six adults aged between 23 and 55, and 16 children aged between six and 10.

Dr Biffin was among 18 members of the public who received the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF) Community Lifesaver award on April 15 for their part in rescuing and helping the victims of the fire.

Speaking to the media after the award ceremony at the 1st SCDF Division in Queensway, she said about 10 children were evacuated to the other shophouse.

"I looked around the room and (the children) were coughing. They were burnt," she said.

"I focused on one boy who looked lifeless when he was rescued, but I think he was in shock. His mouth was burnt so I made sure he could breathe.