And it showcased some of them at its annual Workplan Seminar
today.
Shaffiq Alkhatib reports.
SCDF's role has grown significantly since it combined with the
Singapore Fire Service in 1989.
Other than fighting fires, it has also developed specialist
competencies to deal with a wider range of hazards.
These include chemical, biological, radiological and explosive
threats.
As part of SCDF's efforts to enhance operational readiness, it
has put on trial a Remote Control Aerial Monitoring System used to
detect and survey hazard zones.
The device is a remote-controlled helicopter equipped with a
camera that captures and transmits live videos of situations.
Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng
says, SCDF is also undergoing trials with unmanned aerial vehicles
or UAVs.
"UAVs can be used to detect and provide instant information on
chemical and radiological agents and toxic industrial chemicals.
Their surveillance capabilities can give ground commanders a birds
eye view of the incident even before officers are sent to the
area."
SCDF has also developed a new fire-fighting vehicle that's a
smaller version of the Red Rhino.
Known as the Mini Rhino, the compact vehicle is slightly bigger
than a golf buggy.
It is able to travel along narrow roads, making it easier for
officers to move around in places such as Chinatown and Sentosa
island.
SCDF's Commissioner, James Tan.
"It is operated with a crew of two men. We can also get them to
overcome traffic congestions."
SCDF currently has two Mini Rhinos and they will be rolled out
next month.
It is also boosting its efforts at community engagement.
It has launched a web-based learning portal which is as an
extension of its Community Emergency Preparedness Programme or
CEPP.
DPM Wong.
"This online programme will appeal to working adults who are
unable to attend CEPP lessons conducted at the CD Divisions due to
their hectic schedules."
The portal would allow participants to complete the theory parts
of their lessons at their own time, in the comfort of their
homes.
The practical portions will then be conducted at any one of the
four Division Headquarters in places such as Tampines and Bukit
Batok.
In the past, they would have to attend the full lessons in a
classroom environment at the HQs.
The course covers five different modules in areas including
first aid, fire safety and casualty evacuation as well as
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation or CPR.
Those who've completed their courses will receive certificates
from SCDF.
Mr Wong, who's also Home Affairs Minister, adds, that the SCDF
will be incorporating the CEPP as part of the Life Skill Module
which students in tertiary institutions have to take
The initiative will start later this year with the latest intake
of first year students at Singapore Polytechnic.
"Student talents from tertiary institutions will also be invited
to design interactive computer programmes that incorporate
Emergency Preparedness learning elements. These games will be
available on the SCDF website to reach out to children."
--938Live
