SCDF paramedic team win international competition
They had practised at least 60 different accident scenarios, but nothing could have prepared the team for what greeted them.
The "accident" scene set at a "beach" was chaotic: A couple had been flung off a jet ski and the team first had to gather as much information as they could from a "fisherman" who had witnessed the incident.
The four paramedics from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) sprung into action and beat five teams from around the region to emerge champions at the annual Ferno Australia Paramedic Simulation Challenge in Gold Coast, Australia.
This is the third time an SCDF team has participated in the international challenge and the first time the force claimed the top prize in the competition, which was held on Sept 21.
"We were the only Asian team there... we reminded ourselves to stay focused and do our best," said team leader, Warrant Officer Naomi Wee, 28.
COLD
The chilly weather was an element the team - also made up of WO Zane Ang, 29; Staff Sergeant Jason Kwek, 29; and Lieutenant Noraini Kasbani, 45 - had to adapt to.
In the accident scenario, the woman suffered a "fractured" arm and "cut" on her thigh, and had to be bandaged up and given painkillers.
The "man" - actually a mannequin - was severely "wounded", with head injuries.
With the help of his teammates, WO Ang performed an endotracheal intubation procedure on him - placing a tube into the windpipe through the mouth to secure the patient's airway.
WO Wee said they were initially daunted when they saw participants from countries such as New Zealand and Australia in the competition.
"They were tall and big, and we felt physically small. But we reminded ourselves of the people who had invested their time, knowledge and expertise to prepare us for the competition, and we didn't want to let them down," said WO Wee.
The four SCDF paramedics come from different fire stations and divisions across Singapore, and spent close to 70 hours while off-duty training for the competition.
They hope bringing the trophy home will stir a sense of pride in paramedics in Singapore.
Lt Noraini, who has been in the force for 20 years, said: "Hopefully this will continue to remind the public that we are more than capable of caring for them and their loved ones in an emergency."
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now