NSman, 30, dies in hospital after collapsing outside Maju Camp
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A 30-year-old man, who had earlier that day completed an NS FIT session, was pronounced dead at hospital after collapsing outside Maju Camp on June 30.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – An operationally ready national serviceman (NSman) died after collapsing outside Maju Camp on the evening of June 30, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement on July 1.
The 30-year-old had completed a National Service Fitness Improvement Training (NS FIT) session at Maju Fitness Conditioning Centre between 6.50pm and 8pm.
After the session, he reported feeling well to the fitness instructors and was cleared to leave the centre, Mindef said.
By 8.11pm, he had booked out of Maju Camp.
But shortly after leaving, he collapsed outside the camp. This was witnessed by a passer-by, who called for an ambulance.
Mindef said the Singapore Civil Defence Force was alerted at 8.16pm, and an ambulance arrived at 8.25pm.
It added that resuscitation efforts were administered on-site and continued en route to the National University Hospital.
The NSman arrived at the hospital at around 9pm. Despite emergency medical interventions, he was pronounced dead at 9.54pm.
As a precaution, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has implemented a safety pause on NS FIT training until July 4 to review safety procedures and protocols and to remind soldiers of the importance of safety.
NS FIT is a 10-session programme that encourages NSmen to incorporate fitness and regular exercise into their lives. Since 2021, it has replaced the remedial and voluntary preparatory training aspects of the individual physical proficiency test.
“The SAF is rendering support to the family in their time of grief. We extend our deepest condolences to the family,” the statement said.
Further investigations will be carried out to determine the cause of death.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a Facebook post that he was saddened by the death, which occurred on the eve of SAF Day on July 1.
“While we commemorate the unwavering commitment of our servicemen and women in defending Singapore, we also want to protect their lives, and training safely remains a top priority,” he said.
Only with a strong and safe SAF can Singapore be protected against potential threats to survive in a turbulent and increasingly complex world, he added, urging Singaporeans to salute the contributions and sacrifices of full-time national servicemen, regulars, NSmen and their families in keeping the Republic safe.
