The SCDF introduced the above in its recent workplace seminar as part of enhancing emergency operational response in times of crisis. Extract below is from the local "Today" newspapers.
SINGAPORE - From July, selected firefighters will be trained to provide medical aid to casualties before paramedics arrive at the scene during emergencies, under a new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) scheme.
Details of the scheme - first announced during the Committee of Supply debate last month - were rolled out at the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF) annual Workplan Seminar yesterday, where Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean highlighted the need to "continually find new ways to develop the full potential of its officers through more effective training and deployment".
The EMT scheme, Mr Teo said, is a "potential game changer in terms of how the SCDF deploys its resources and maximises the potential of our officers in a tighter labour market". With the slowdown in labour force growth, "it will become increasingly more difficult for SCDF to recruit and retain good officers to fill its growing needs", he said.
Currently, firefighters are trained as first-aiders, but through the EMT scheme, they will be able to independently assess patients and render emergency medical treatment, as well as manage mass-casualty incidents. The eight-week course will be implemented progressively over the next three years. Eventually, all fire stations will have at least one fire and medical section equipped with EMT capability.
Also announced at the Workplan Seminar yesterday was the Responders' Performance Module (RPM), a mobile unit that will be deployed for protracted firefighting operations so that firefighters can undergo physical rehabilitation to cool their body temperatures and minimise risk of heat injuries. Examples of protracted operations include the Shell Eastern Petroleum oil refinery fire on Pulau Bukom in 2011, where firefighters took 32 hours to put out the fire.
To enhance the employability of its full-time national servicemen and operationally-ready national servicemen, the SCDF is also working to align its courses to the Workforce Skills Qualification framework, so that their skills are more recognised for employment in the private sector. And to enhance emergency services to the public, the SCDF is setting up three new fire posts in Sembawang, Jalan Buroh and Dover areas this year.
The SCDF is also stepping up in its engagement with the community with the launch of a new application for Apple iPhones - mySCDF - through which the public can upload photographs and information on potential fire hazards and track the status of their feedback.
Meanwhile, the mandatory CERT scheme - launched in 2005 for industries dealing in large quantities of petroleum and flammable materials - will be expanded to designated public and industrial buildings, such as those with a large number of occupants.
The scheme requires an organisation to appoint a trained team to deal with emergencies on the company's premises. A national CERT standard on the requirements for CERTs will also be introduced next month.
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