NSFs: Vaccinations @ BMT in NS: Tetanus, Influenza and Polio

Maverick limwc SG

Hi all,

Planning to have some vaccination before i go overseas trip. But no idea what saf vsccinations were given in NS? Im only aware of chicken pox and influenza, any medics or MOs know waht other vaccines were provided? Also, for the ORD FFI blood test, its to detect haemoglobin levels right? Sometimes feel abit faint, not sure if i should do harmoglobin test cos i think oxygen not flowing around my body well. If the ord ffi is to test for anemia then ill hold till then. Thanks everyone!

eac SG

Source: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/army/bmtgraduation/page/faqs.html

Q1. Are there measures taken to ensure the safety of recruits with past medical history?
A1. Yes. During the initial interview, their Platoon Commanders will verify their medical history and the section commanders will be informed accordingly. Preventive measures will then be taken. For example, recruits with a history of heat injuries or asthma are required to put on a colour tag for the purpose of identification and monitoring.

Q2. What happens when the recruits fall sick?
A2. We have a fully equipped 24-hour medical center to attend to recruits reporting sick. Our duty Medical Officer will diagnose the recruits’ conditions and provide the necessary treatment. In the event of an emergency, evacuation to the nearest hospital via the Dedicated Harbour Launch Crafts or helicopter will be activated.

Q3. What if the recruits need to book out for interviews or appointments? How will they seek official approval?
A3. They will be allowed to do so (subject to exigencies of service) and provided that they inform their commanders in advance and produce the necessary supporting documents for verification.

Q4. What medical facilities are available on Pulau Tekong?
A4. Pulau Tekong is served by two medical centers, one located at Ladang Camp (serving BMTC School 1, 2 and 3), and the other at Rocky Hill Camp (serving School 4). In addition to providing medical consultation services, there are also dental, physiotherapy and X-ray services at Ladang Medical Centre during office hours.

Q5. What happens if medical care is required after office hours?
A5. Ladang Medical Centre is a 24-hour facility, which caters to all servicemen on the island. Similar to the A&E departments of hospitals, a doctor is on duty at all times of the day, 365 days a year, to provide medical consultations and treatment whenever needed.

Q6. Are the doctors and medics well trained?
A6. All SAF Medical Officers are trained to exacting national standards and are fully registered with the Singapore Medical Council. All the Medical Officers also have prior working experience in the restructured hospitals. Likewise, SAF medics undergo realistic training at the SAF Medical Institute to ensure the highest standard of medical care provision for servicemen.

Q7. What happens if a serviceman needs to be sent to a hospital?
A7. Ambulances are on 24/7 standby on Pulau Tekong and at the SAF Ferry Terminal at Changi. Dedicated Harbour Launch Crafts are also on standby at all times to ferry any patients rapidly to the mainland. Should there be an emergency, helicopters will be activated to provide responsive heli-evacuation to mainland hospitals.

Q8. What measures are in place to prevent spread on diseases on the island?
A8. All Recruits will receive vaccinations for tetanus, poliomyelitis and seasonal influenza. For those who have not contacted varicella vaccine will also be administered. In addition, adequate ventilation in the bunks, emphasis on the practice of good personal hygiene, and medical leave for servicemen who are unwell also serve to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases.