SCDF NSFs learn same firefighting skills as regular firemen, are certified before deployment: MHA

Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) make up around 42 per cent of the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF) frontline firefighting force.

The force is also supplemented by Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen), comprising about nine per cent of firefighters on duty and volunteer firefighters from the Civil Defence auxiliary unit.

"As a small country, and even more so with an aging population, we cannot afford to have a large enough standing force to meet all our civil defence needs, including responding to a national emergency," said Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim in Parliament on Apr. 8.

He was answering a question posed by Member of Parliament (MP) Gerald Giam.

Giam had asked for the following:

1. The proportion of SCDF’s frontline firefighting force consisting of full-time NSFs
2. If MHA has considered the risks associated with deploying NSFs in firefighting roles, given the demanding physical and operational requirements of the job.

Explaining that while SCDF's frontline duties inherently involve risk, Faishal assured Parliament that SCDF ensures all its officers performing these roles are professionally trained and well-equipped to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

The NSFs in the firefighting vocation learn the same firefighting skills as regular firefighters, such as completing a four-week basic rescue training and a 12-week firefighter course at the Civil Defence Academy (CDA).

All officers must complete a series of proficiency and certification tests before they can be deployed as firefighters.

Faishal added that even after graduating from the CDA, training continues to be an integral part of a firefighter's daily routine.

They undergo exercises and drills during shifts to familiarise themselves with their respective roles and functions as part of a crew, as well as to maintain their individual fitness and skills competencies.

The SCDF has protocols to ensure both training and operational safety, and these are reviewed regularly, he noted.

Faishal said the MHA continues to do its best to make sure its firefighters are ready to be a force that keeps Singapore safe and secure.

Top image via SCDF/Facebook