SINGAPORE- Grassroots leaders from Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) got to test how prepared they were for emergencies, in an exercise on Saturday (Dec12).
It involved 100 grassroots leaders and community partners including schools, religious institutions and voluntary welfare organisations across five constituencies.
The exercise, which was facilitated by People's Association consultant Organisation Resilience Management, began with a scenario of increasing focus of mistrust among races here, following a terror attack in a nearby country.
As the exercise progressed, one of the emergencies they had to deal with was a terror attack scenario in Singapore. They had to administer cardiopulmunorary resuscitation (CPR) to mannequins serving as injured people.
Mr Amrin Amin, Parliament Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and adviser to Sembawang GRC grassroots organisations, joined the exercise.
Mr Amrin shared his own experience of being an exchange student in New York City when the 9/11 attacks took place in 2001.
He said: "Being in Singapore where it is all peaceful, it didn't occur to me that the world could change so drastically. I remember seeing the raw emotions on the ground, people wanting answers quickly, and also I saw the uncertainties," he said.
Referring to recent attacks on Beirut and Paris, he said Singapore can also be a target, emphasising that people here should be prepared.
He added that training with realistic scenarios in our neighbourhood will equip our key grassroots leaders with essential emergency response capabilities to handle emergencies.
Mr David Lim, chairman for the Sembawang Community Emergency and Engagement Committee, said: "Acts of terrorism may impact Singapore more significantly due to its small area. Therefore, it is essential for grassroots leaders to know from who, and where assistance can be sought during times of crisis."
