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Month: February 2024

Categories
Shape Up

7 Fun Ways You Can Keep Fit And Healthy This Lunar New Year

Make time amid your busy visiting schedule to enjoy activities such as bowling and laser tag with your family.

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS; NATIONAL PARKS BOARD; FLICKR USER NOVA;

TEXT: BEATRICE BOWERS

According to CNA, most people consume 39% more calories than usual during festive seasons, and nearly 45% of them gain an average of 1.7kg during the Lunar New Year. While indulging in food is done in the spirit of the season, it’s still important to look after your health and fitness, especially if you’ve got a busy schedule visiting relatives and going to parties.

Here are seven things to do — both indoor and outdoor — to help you stay fit despite consuming copious amounts of pineapple tarts, including family-friendly activities to maximise your bonding time.

1. Head to the bowling rink

Burn calories and work out your muscles while having fun with your loved ones at the bowling alley. We’d recommend knocking down those pins at SuperBowl located at HomeTeamNS Khatib or StarBowl at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok (open daily till midnight) — both of which will be open throughout the Lunar New Year. Public holiday rates start from $3.50 per game, so you can play to your heart’s content.

BONUS: HomeTeamNS members enjoy a 10% discount on games at SuperBowl (Khatib) and 15% discount on games at StarBowl (Bukit Batok).

2. Book a laser tag session

Laser tag, which combines the games of Hide-and-Seek and Tag, is an excellent way to get a solid cardio workout. Dodging laser beams, darting to hiding spots and rushing to ambush your opponents will quicken your heart rate and get your blood pumping. Book a game at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok’s Laser Quest — open throughout the Lunar New Year — which features atmospheric lighting and pulsating beats to keep your energy level high. This is also a great team-bonding activity to consider if you’re planning a Lunar New Year company event.

BONUS: HomeTeamNS members enjoy exclusive member rates at S$4.07 per game for Laser Quest.

3. Go on a hike

This festive period is a great time to escape the traffic and embark on an invigorating hike with the fam at one of the many parks and nature trails around Singapore. Head to the Southern Ridges, which comprises 10 km of green, open spaces that connect Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. Here, stroll through the architecturally-stunning Henderson Waves and spot wildlife such as the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Brahminy Kite.

4. Head to the gym

It’s easier said than done, but visiting the gym is already half the battle won. If you don’t have time to stick to your usual workout regime, don’t fret. Just make the most of your time by working up a sweat with brisk treadmill walks, a 20-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session, or peddling a stationary bike for 15 minutes at any of HomeTeamNS’ Fitness Workz gyms. We especially recommend the Fitness Workz Garage at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, which boasts a state-of-the-art functional training zone equipped with a customised multi-functional octagon training frame rig featuring battle ropes, a punching bag, and a cross-core system.

BONUS: HomeTeamNS members enjoy special rates starting from $262.41 for a 12-month membership.

5. Organise a healthier potluck

Organising a healthy potluck for your reunion dinner is a delightful way to celebrate without compromising wellness. Encourage participants to embrace traditional flavors with a nutritious twist, opting for lean proteins, whole grains, and abundant veggies. Try these healthier recipes and encourage your guests to bake their own  goodies using almond flour or coconut sugar for less-guilty indulgences. 

6. End the day with yoga

Yoga promotes physical strength, flexibility, and balance while enhancing mental well-being through stress reduction and improved focus, contributing to overall holistic health. This will help you start the Year of the Dragon on the right foot. Squeeze in a 10 to 15minutes workout guided by YouTube tutorials from the comfort of your own home, or join an outdoor class by the Yoga for Peace and Balance group, which may include gentler movements to warm up, followed by more challenging standing poses, balances, inversions, and peak poses.

7. Go for a swim

Swimming provides a full-body workout that helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, which is especially important when you’ve been indulging in rich foods. Cool off from that relentless February heat at any of the HomeTeamNS clubhouse pools, including the 50m, six-lane infinity pool overlooking the reservoir at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir. Your little ones will love splashing about at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok’s kids’ pool, which features slides and installations inspired by Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) vehicles.

BONUS: HomeTeamNS Ordinary, Associate, Family, and Corporate Members get to enjoy free pool access.

How to stay healthy this Lunar New Year

1. Drink green tea

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, consuming ‘heaty’ food in excess,such as those eaten during the Lunar New Year,can cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, acne, excessive thirst, redness of the skin, and irritability. Drink green tea, which is unfermented and rarely oxidised, and thus believed to have a cooling effect on the body — besides being rich in antioxidants.

2. Stretch after every meal

Once you’re done eating, get up, take a quick walk around the space, and stretch your muscles. Stretching after a heavy meal can aid digestion, alleviate discomfort, and promote relaxation, contributing to overall well-being and reducing the potential for post-meal sluggishness.

3. Eat before visiting

Don’t go visiting hungry, because you’ll tend to overeat. Instead, have a high-fiber, nutritious snack before going to see your loved ones, and you’re more likely to make better snacking choices.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.

Categories
Singapore Buzz

7 ways you can celebrate the Lunar New Year more sustainably

Green is the new red. Enjoy the festivities and keep traditions alive while reducing your environmental impact with these tips.

TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG

IMAGES: SWAPAHOLIC SINGAPORE; REPAIR KOPITIAM; SING SEE SOON; SHUTTERSTOCK; SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY

During the Lunar New Year, it is common to observe auspicious customs such as exchanging mandarin oranges and red packets, as well as tossing yu sheng (raw fish salad). However, you’ll also want to be mindful of the environmental impact of these practices. According to Hong Kong-based environmental group Greeners Action, more than 16,300 trees are felled each year to produce some 320 million red packets. That alone may give us pause for thought on how we can evolve our customs to minimise waste.

The good news is, we can keep our Lunar New Year traditions alive while being kinder to the planet. Consider the following tips and kickstart the year of the Dragon on a sustainable note.

1.SHOP PRUDENTLY

Purchase a single household item or outfit as a symbol of new beginnings, rather than overhauling your home or wardrobe. It takes about 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt, so you’ll want to minimise the waste from fast fashion. You can do so by picking long-lasting pieces over throwaway ones, or consider joining the circular fashion movement through thrift or swap shopping — which happens to be very much on trend. When shopping, opt for local businesses instead of international e-commerce platforms to reduce the carbon footprint from overseas delivery. Ladies can consider Beyond the Vines and Ong Shunmugam for contemporary pieces suitable for Lunar New Year outings, while the lads can look dapper in threads by Benjamin Barker and biro. For locally-made wooden furniture pieces, check out Roger&Sons.

2. DECORATE AND DECLUTTER WITHOUT BEING WASTEFUL

Consider what you can reuse or recycle when doing your spring cleaning. Too often, our throwaway culture means items don’t get the lifespan they deserve. When decluttering, see if the items can be repaired by experts such as Jia Xing or SG Home furniture — or learn how to do so yourself at one of Repair Kopitiam’s workshops. If you must give away items that are in good condition, pass them on to the needy through The Salvation Army or Cloop bins set up by a circular fashion enterprise.

When it comes to decorating, look at existing materials you can use to dress up the home. Repurpose a Christmas wreath into one for the Spring Festival, or create beautiful lanterns from last year’s red packets. If you really must purchase decorations, opt for biodegradable or natural materials over metal or plastic.

3. PURCHASE LONGER LASTING PLANTS

Instead of adorning your home with short-lived blooms such as the Hyacinthus or Narcissus, opt for hardier, lower-maintenance plants such as bamboo, chrysanthemums, and azaleas. Besides requiring little moisture and growing easily indoors, the resilient and auspicious money plant is adept at filtering out common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. When buying these plants, pick out those in permanent or compostable pots to reduce plastic waste. Join a free floral arrangement workshop by local florist Sing See Soon, which weaves sustainable lifestyle hacks into its classes.

4. CONSIDER PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHEN MAKING YOUR VISITING ROUNDS 

In Singapore, land transport accounts for about 15 per cent of carbon emissions. You can help lower this number by utilising our efficient network of public buses and trains. Last year, SMRT’s train services were extended for commuters travelling late during the eve of the Lunar New Year — stay tuned for updates on this year’s schedules. If you must travel by private transport, consider carpooling, shared car hire, or using the services of electric car-sharing companies like BlueSG. 

5. RETHINK RED PACKETS

RETHINK RED PACKETS

Offer digital versions by using PayNow via major banks instead. This way, you can even send your well-wishes to those who can’t make it for gatherings. If you still prefer something more traditional, use recycled red packets in good condition and skip the new notes — especially since the carbon emissions generated from printing new notes for Lunar New Year each year is said to be similar to that from powering 430 four-room HDB flats annually. You may also want to drop your crumpled red packets at recycling bins found at most major banks , which are often available throughout the year.

6. SNACK SUSTAINABLY

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), about 900 million kg of plastic is discarded every year in Singapore. Avoid individually-wrapped items to help reduce such waste. Purchase Lunar New Year goodies from bakers who accept container returns. You can find some of them at Project bECOme and most even offer you a small refund. Even with mindful buying, you can easily get carried away with treats during this period. Be sure to keep track of their expiry dates and reduce food waste by sharing or giving the excess goodies away.

7. PURCHASE LOCALLY-GROWN PRODUCE FOR YOUR REUNION DINNER

You’ll not only reduce the carbon footprint from importing ingredients, but will also enjoy the freshest produce possible. Singapore is home to several local vegetable farms and fisheries that supply delicious stock, but you can also look at businesses such as Ugly Food, which sells blemished and surplus produce that is nutritious and safe to consume. While fish is associated with abundance and therefore a popular Lunar New Year menu item, its supplies are threatened by overfishing. Have a more eco-conscious meal by consulting WWF’s guide for more sustainable seafood options.

Interested in serving beyond your obligations? Consider the Volunteer Extension Scheme, which allows PNSMen who have completed their NS liability to continue serving beyond their statutory age. PNSMen (With NS liability) who have passed their statutory age of 40 years (Junior Officers) & 50 years (Senior Officers) may apply.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

Categories
In The Force

Valuable lessons from our SCDF service

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal (left) and SGT2 Ding Bowen credit their National Service with SCDF for imparting them with important values like tenacity and empathy.
SGT2 Mohamad Haikal (left) and SGT2 Ding Bowen credit their National Service with SCDF for imparting them with important values like tenacity and empathy.

Two SCDF NSFs share the most important lessons they learnt during NS – a sense of perspective, resilience and tenacity.

TEXT AND PHOTOS: SCDF

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal Bin Mohamad Hussin of Clementi Fire Station and SGT2 Ding Bowen of West Coast Marine Fire Station are full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) who exemplify the courage and resilience that form the cornerstones of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

Haikal enlisted on Feb 8, 2022, and was assigned to Clementi Fire Station as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Assisting the paramedic during emergency medical calls, he is responsible for providing pre-hospital care and medical attention to patients in their hour of need.

Bowen was posted to West Coast Marine Fire Station on Sept 19, 2022, as a Navigation Specialist. He is trained in high-altitude rescues, marine firefighting and nautical navigation – skills that are crucial to safeguarding our waters.

Haikal and Bowen share how their service with SCDF had transformed them*.

How would you describe your typical shift at Clementi Fire Station?

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal: I usually report to work around 7.15am or 7.15pm, depending on my shift. After a quick debrief by the supervisors and handover session with the outgoing colleagues, we would conduct a thorough check of the assigned ambulances to ensure that all medical equipment and supplies on board the appliances are accounted for. Sometimes, we could be despatched to calls when our checks are still ongoing. Therefore, we must always be mentally prepared to respond to an emergency.

How is an NSF’s shift different from that of regular officers?

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal: We observe the same working hours as our regular colleagues, which is a 12-hour rotation from 8am to 8pm or from 8pm to 8am. After completing two shifts, we will rest for two days before being rostered for another two night shifts, which will also be followed by two rest days.

What is the most demanding aspect of responding to medical incidents?

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal: The medical incidents that we respond to are dynamic in nature. The seemingly routine medical conditions can escalate into something serious very quickly. Therefore, we have been trained to be thorough in our assessment of the patients and to be mentally prepared for any scenario.

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal responding to an incident with his colleague.

Rescue995: What are the most challenging situations that you have faced so far? What lessons have you learnt from those experiences?

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal: My tour of duty as an EMT had taught me the importance of mental fortitude. Once, we had attended to an elderly patient who had not been contactable for several days. It was heartbreaking to find the resident immobilised and in poor state of care. Although the crew were taken aback and distressed, we had to control our feelings and focus on delivering the best care for the patient. The incident had shown me the importance of mental resilience and to stay focus on the task at hand. This also reinforced my sense of duty to help others unconditionally.

Rescue995: How has your tour of duty as an EMT contributed to your personal growth?

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal: Seeing how unpredictable and fragile life can be, I have learnt not to take anyone or anything for granted. No matter how difficult my day was, I remained positive and thankful for the opportunities in life. Overall, National Service has made me to be more optimistic and to work hard towards a better future for everyone.

Rescue995: What is one thing you wish the public could understand about SCDF’s work? How can the community offer better support?

SGT2 Mohamad Haikal: Know that SCDF officers are deeply committed to our mission of saving lives and properties. We are always ready to respond to emergencies around the clock. While we strive to do our best, we are also saddened when outcomes that are beyond our control transpired. Despite this sobering reality, we hope that the public will continue to support us in our mission.

SGT2 Bowen (left) navigating a SCDF marine vessel during a routine exercise.

Rescue995: Could you share more about your role as a Navigation Specialist?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: The roles in a Marine Fire Station are multi-faceted. Therefore, we must be competent in a variety of skills. On top of firefighting and rescue, we must also be familiar with the maritime equipment and operating environment. As a Navigation Specialist, I support the Officer-on-watch (OOW) in navigating our marine vessels through sea traffic, using the Electronic Chart Display Information System. With training and guidance, I can accurately calculate the distances to incident sites and guide the OOW around the obstacles at sea. We are also well-versed in man-over-board procedures and the use of specific channels to communicate with the Police Coast Guard and the Operations Centre during combined operations.

Rescue995: That sounds like quite a lot to absorb! How long did you take to learn all of this?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: I see my learning as an ongoing process, in which I try to learn something new from my section commanders and seniors every day. They have been instrumental in imparting knowledge and skills to us, preparing us for the responsibilities ahead. It can be daunting for newcomers, given the number of new things to learn. However, with the consistent hands-on training under the guidance of our commanders and seniors, I was quickly trained, and proficient in carrying out my roles as a Navigation Specialist within 10 months.

Rescue995: Marine operations can be quite different from those on land. Could you share some of the unique challenges that you face?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: Sea and land operations are indeed very different. At times, we may have to conduct rescues on different vessels, secure our vessels to one that is on fire, and adjust our firefighting tactics based on the type and size of the vessel. Height rescues and boundary cooling may also be necessary during major incidents involving large ships.

SGT2 Bowen demonstrating the berthing of the Rapid Response Fire Vessel during a routine exercise.

Rescue995: What is the most memorable incident you have responded to, and why?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: This was a fire involving a berthed vessel in July 2023. As the incident occurred at around 9.30pm, the low lighting and visibility conditions made things more challenging for us. It was not easy to berth our vessels next to each other to transfer resources as well. As the Navigation Specialist, I worked very closely with the OOW and Steersman on the Heavy Rescue Vessel, reporting the speed of our vessel and the distances to other vessels or landmarks.

Despite the smoke-logged conditions on the affected vessel, our Section Commanders and firefighters battled relentlessly overnight and never gave up. Thanks to the teamwork from both West Coast Marine Fire Station and Brani Marine Fire Station, the fire was extinguished the next morning, with no casualties. This incident allowed me to witness first-hand, the complexity and precision with which our officers carry out different tasks to extinguish fires.

Rescue995: What specialised training have you undergone, and how does it differ from that of other SCDF frontliners?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: We undergo a five-week Marine Firefighting Specialist Course, which imparts skills in water and height rescue, as well as marine firefighting. We also learnt more about navigation and vessel firefighting at the Singapore Maritime Academy.

Rescue995: What are you looking forward to after your NS?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: Having enjoyed teamwork and problem-solving as a Navigation Specialist, I would like to pursue a career with SCDF after completing my studies. The knowledge and skills that we have acquired are transferrable and will come in useful no matter where we go.

Rescue995: How has NS transformed your life?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: NS has taught me to remain calm, composed, and think critically under pressure. Instead of being reactive and emotional when the unexpected occurs, I have learnt to adopt a more measured, systematic, and thoughtful approach to solving problems.

Rescue995: Do you have any advice for those who wish to be SCDF Marine Specialists?

SGT2 Ding Bowen: Passion, physical fitness, and mental strength are essential. It may be demanding at times, but with some support from your peers, you can definitely do it!

*This story has been edited from an interview that was originally published in SCDF’s digital magazine, Rescue995.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.

Categories
Club Buzz

Guardians Playoff: An exciting showcase of Home Team NSmen and NSFs’ team spirit

Proud winners of the 2023 Guardians Playoff at the award presentation held on 18 November 2023 at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir.

Participants from the 2023 edition reveal the competition’s highlights and what makes it so special.

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS / TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG

The Guardians Playoff, formerly known as the Most Supportive Division (MSD), returned in 2023 after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The year-long event — which aims to foster bonding among Home Team NSmen and NSFs — sees individuals from both the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Divisions participating in a series of competitions.

Last year, 2,041 NSmen and NSFs competed in six games, including the popular Futsal 5 Tournament, REAL®RUN and TactSIM competition, along with newly introduced activities such as a physical and virtual bowling tournament and exciting challenges at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir’s Action Motion. Their loved ones weren’t left out either — 111 family members had fun with fringe activities such as navigating a multi-level net maze obstacle course at Action Motion, as well as games and competitions across HomeTeamNS clubhouses.

In the main event, SCDF’s 4th  Division and SPF’s J Division emerged as champions. The awards ceremony, held on 18 November 2023 during HomeTeamNS’ 19th Annual General Meeting, celebrated the merits of participating SCDF and SPF divisions and was a recognition of their competitive spirit. Beyond serving as a testament of their physical and mental prowess, the games presented an opportunity for the participants to bond with one another. Here’s what they took away from the friendly competition.   

IT’S ALL ABOUT TEAMWORK

Having represented SCDF’s 1st Division in the competition, NSman COL (NS) Cheng Chee Wee observed that the games had a rousing effect among his teammates. The 46-year-old engineer, who tested his sporting abilities through virtual bowling, Futsal 5, and the TactSIM games, revealed that he and his peers felt motivated to continue competing as a team in upcoming editions of the competition. “Such events enable unit personnel to cooperate with one another and strengthen their camaraderie,” he said.

For participants such as LTC (NS) Shahrudin Bin Salleh, working towards a shared goal took precedence over winning. The SCDF personnel revealed that while his division did not fare too well in last year’s REAL®RUN, they had fun making new friends and are looking forward to emerging stronger this year.

More importantly, he witnessed how the games brought different units together in a unique way. “It provides an avenue for units within the same division to share resources and allows commanders to recognise their team members’ contributions, which is key to any thriving division,” shared Shahrudin.

IN THE SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP

For others, the competition was an excellent platform for testing their own abilities. One such participant is 35-year-old SSSGT (NS) Khairil Nazir, who represented SPF’s J Division in the Tactical Simulation Challenges and TactSIM Convenor. He found it gratifying to pull off personal bests, while enjoying quality time with his loved ones. “The purpose of the games is to engage Police NSmen both mentally and physically. With an array of sports available, NSmen can enjoy bonding with colleagues and family,” he said.

Competing with his peers was another highlight for him. “Various divisions competed against one another, fostering a friendly rivalry,” shared the senior pharmacy technician. “An emphasis is also placed on strengthening camaraderie among NSmen from diverse backgrounds and age groups,” he added.

Khairil’s views were shared by SSSGT (NS) Zuhairi Wardi Bin Amir Khaled, who represented SPF’s J Division champions in the Action Motion playoff. The 29-year-old highlighted how the games spur team members to scale greater heights. “The challenges allow each individual to test their limits and showcase their skills and capabilities, while having so much fun in the process,” said the operations manager who works in the drone industry and has participated in the games since 2018.

It is this sense of comradeship that keeps him returning to compete. “The Guardians Playoff is a platform for team members to get to know each other during practice sessions, exchanging tips on how to improve themselves and working towards a collective goal to make their respective divisions proud,” he explained.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE THRILLS

Perhaps what most participants can agree on, is how the Guardians Playoff has grown into something they all look forward to. ASP (NS) Lai Shu Wei from SPF’s J Division, who helped to organise the last year’s games as chief sports convenor, recalled witnessing excited participants eagerly checking for the competition dates in the lead-up to the event. “Some also expressed happiness at the opportunity to represent their division in sports they excel in,” said the 26-year-old.

To him, the games provide a platform for personnel from different departments to forge deeper relationships.

“Engaging in friendly competition brings us together, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie that extends beyond the competition,” he elaborated. “The shared experiences still serve as a talking point when I reconnect with some of my teammates and participants.”

Shu Wei is now looking forward to the upcoming Guardians Playoff 2024, which will introduce a roster of new games including the Adventure HQ Challenge, Tchoukball Tournament, and Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, among others that will be announced later in the year. It’s time to start rallying together your trusty teammates for more action-packed fun!

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Categories
Technology In The Force

These Innovations And Efforts Keep Our Home Team At The Forefront Of National Security

From off-road motorbike trainings to state-of-the-art facilities that recreate different emergency rescue scenarios, here are the ways that our Home Team heroes stay ready for action. 

TEXT: MARY WU

PHOTOS: SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE, SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE  

In addition to their bravery and dedication, our Home Team Guardians also train hard to protect the public in the face of challenging and risky situations. Giving them an edge are top-notch facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology, as well as meticulously-coordinated units that function like well-oiled machines. These efforts help to ensure that our national heroes are adequately prepared for any situation.

Read on to discover more about these innovations and teams.

SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE (SPF)

1. SWIFT AND SKILLFUL: RAPID DEPLOYMENT TROOPS

Trained to deal with public order threats and terrorist incidents, Rapid Deployment Troops can zip in on their Tactical Response Motorcycles — unmissable with their glaring blinker lights and screaming sirens — which allow them to rapidly manoeuvre through traffic gridlocks and challenging terrains, to reach incident sites quickly. Behind their speed and agility are hours of regular tactical riding exercises that include off-road training.

2. CALL CANINE-NINE-NINE: PUBLIC ORDER DOG

You may have seen our four-legged friends with their partners in blue, working hand-in-paw to control crowds, conduct anti-crime patrols, and track wanted individuals. Known for their versatility, the POD handlers’ trusty canines are also trained to guard criminals under arrest and patrol critical infrastructure. The POD teams work closely with the Police Tactical Unit to handle public order incidents and are also deployed to patrol at various security events.

3. MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER: POLICE TACTICAL UNIT

Part of the Special Operations Command, the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) maintains public order in Singapore, from quelling riots to searching for armed criminals and terrorists. Bolstering PTU’s strength is its sophisticated fleet of purpose-built vehicles, which include the Tactical Vehicles, the Tactical Strike Vehicles, and the Water Cannons to disperse crowds. PTU officers are also equipped with an armoury of weapons and wear state-of-the-art personal protective gear plus a Helmet Mounted Camera System that aids in post-event investigations.

SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE (SCDF)

4. BEATING THE HEAT: COMPARTMENT FIRE BEHAVIOUR TRAINING

Indoor fires carry risks such as flashovers and backdrafts. The former is a sudden simultaneous ignition of combustible contents in an enclosed space when the temperature reaches a critical level, while the latter is a phenomenon that occurs when a fire is deprived of oxygen but continues to produce flammable gases. When fresh air is reintroduced into the enclosed space, these accumulated gases can cause an explosion.  

At the Compartment Fire Behaviour Training facility, firefighters can experience such hazards in a controlled environment where sensors and thermocouples embedded within the walls monitor real‐time temperatures of the smoke and fire to ensure safe and effective training. Utilising a system that meets the standards of the National Environment Agency — a wet scrubber system processes, cools, and cleans gases and smoke generated by the facility.

5. KEEPING ROADS AND TUNNELS SAFE: ODYSSEY

Firefighters and medical personnel train in the Odyssey — a replica of an underground road tunnel — to prepare for scenarios such as road traffic accidents, vehicle fires, and tunnel flooding. Through simulations involving scrapped vehicles, officers can practice their extrication, vehicle stabilisation, and mass casualty management techniques.

6. ENHANCING EMERGENCY RESPONSE: NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TRAINING CENTRE

The National Emergency Medical Services Training Centre (NETC) is SCDF’s new pre‐hospital emergency medical training centre. Trainees undergo comprehensive training via end-to-end simulations, mixed-reality, and sensors that provide real-time feedback. These take them through various crucial processes from team preparation and planning prior to arrival on the scene to the medical management of the patient both on-scene and enroute to the hospital and the handover of patient management to hospital staff.   

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

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