Ensure NSF medics are trained to handle emergencies

I was heartened to read of the planned deployment of SAF medics to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to meet the growing demand for the latter's ambulance services (SAF medics to work in SCDF ambulances in pilot tie-up; May 24).

However, I was also concerned as the report said that 10 of the 12 SAF medics to be deployed would be full-time national servicemen (NSFs). This is likely to place the ages of most of them at between 18 years and 20 years.

Undoubtedly, the deployment will present these young men with a great opportunity to hone their skills, and most of us do realise that these Singapore Armed Forces medics have to start somewhere.

However, the lives of the loved ones of members of the public could very well be in the hands of these medics.

If the public cannot have more experienced personnel than NSF medics, it would expect nothing less than having those among them who are well-trained and capable of handling emergencies as well as the SCDF ambulance crew can.

Edwin Pang

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 26, 2017, with the headline Ensure NSF medics are trained to handle emergencies. Subscribe