Training and Certification Processes in Hiring of Foreigners to Enhance SCDF's Emergency Medical Services

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Home Affairs with regard to the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF's) decision to hire foreigners to enhance emergency medical services (a) what specific training and certification processes will foreign recruits undergo to meet SCDF's operational standards; and (b) how will the Ministry ensure that these personnel meet the rigorous requirements expected of SCDF emergency responders.

Foreign-trained paramedics who wish to work for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will need to be accredited by the Unit for Pre-hospital Emergency Care, which was set up by the Ministry of Health. The accreditation process includes a five-week course that will train them in patient assessment and clinical management in the pre-hospital setting, taught at the Institute of Technical Education. After accreditation, they will undergo a three-day bridging course with SCDF and receive on-the-job training for up to six months, where they will be attached to a senior SCDF paramedic in an emergency ambulance. Thereafter, they will undergo an operational term with SCDF of up to four weeks, where they will be taught operational protocols. Before being independently deployed in emergency ambulances, they will need to pass a Paramedic Specialist Certification Test (PSCT) and an Ambulance Proficiency Test administered by SCDF. All paramedics need to pass PSCT every year.

Foreign hires for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) will need to undergo EMT courses recognised by the Ministry of Health. They will then need to pass the SCDF EMT Certification Test (EMTCT) and complete the Emergency Vehicle (Ambulance) driving course, before they can be deployed in SCDF emergency ambulances. All EMTs need to pass EMTCT every year.

All foreign hires will be held to the same standards as locals and will need to undergo annual certification tests and continuous education and training.