SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE VISITS THE SAF MEDICAL CORPS

Acting Minister for Social and Family Development and Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Headquarters Medical Corps (HQMC) in Nee Soon Camp on 9 May.

During his visit, Mr Chan had a series of candid discussions with personnel from the SAF Medical Corps, covering topics that ranged from recruitment and retention to professional development and maintaining a high level of confidence within the Corps.

He also observed the Medical Response Force (MRF) in action as they demonstrated their latest medical response capability: the new Medical Decontamination and Treatment Vehicle (MDTV) which attained full operational capability status in October last year.

The MDTV automates many labour-intensive tasks to save time and energy. At the flick of a switch, the MDTV extends its side canopies to rapidly form a deployment shelter where decontamination shower systems and a triage area can be housed.

"Operating from the MDTV is more efficient because all the systems are very intuitive. Much of the equipment we need are built into the vehicle," explained Corporal (CPL) Murali Arvind, MRF Medic.

When asked about their training, fellow medic 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Yeo Kee Kuan said: "We are trained and briefed very thoroughly about various procedures for emergencies, so we're all confident of our skills as first responders."

"For example, even during our EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course when we started training to be medics, we were always told to give priority to the respiratory system and taught how to maintain the airway."

After the demonstration, Mr Chan interacted with the Full-time National Servicemen who form the MRF. He reminded them: "You are probably one of the best trained medical unit in the region. Be confident in your training, but not complacent."