SCDF Ready Week returns after 3 years!

As Communications Officers in the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), Gladys and I were offered the chance to have a 2-week secondment programme with SCDF’s Corporate Communications Department (CCD). We readily accepted the opportunity, hoping to see how SCDF manages communication-related activities and social media.

Unknown to us, our period of secondment coincided with an exciting period for SCDF, which was the SCDF Ready Week 2023, back after a 3-year break from the COVID-19 pandemic. The SCDF Ready Week was made up of a few signature events, which brought about greater cooperation in emergency response and preparedness.

In our first week with SCDF, we went to the Singapore Expo and started off our Ready Week by attending the First Responders Safety and Performance Symposium (FRSPS). During the seminar, we listened to the various experts and academics in international emergency response, as they shared their experiences and lessons learnt.

Panellists from SCDF, Fire & Rescue New South Wales (Australia), National University of Singapore, and Ambulance Victoria (Melbourne, Australia) sharing their insights at the First Responders Safety and Performance Symposium 2023. PHOTO: SCDF

Assistant Commissioner David Lewis from Fire and Rescue of New South Wales talked about his experiences in managing emergency response during floods and bushfires in New South Wales. AC Lewis highlighted the importance of international collaboration in emergency response, describing how the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) guidelines provide common standard operating procedures and understanding for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams worldwide. This allows international teams to work cohesively together during disasters.

Throughout the symposium, we also listened to other interesting topics, such as the enhancement of training for optimal responder performance, the mental health and emotional well-being of responders, and the vital role of community first responders. All in all, we found the symposium to be a fruitful learning experience.

On Saturday, Gladys and I returned to the Singapore Expo for the main highlights of the SCDF Ready Week. We started the day with the SCDF Parade 2023. Sitting at the grandstands, we were enveloped by the cheers of the spectators, as the SCDF contingents marched onto the parade square. We understood that the parade was not only an opportunity for SCDF to show appreciation to its partners and community, but also an occasion for SCDF personnel to reaffirm their commitment to the organisation’s lifesaving mission.

The Guard-of-Honour contingent marching at the SCDF Parade 2023. PHOTO: SCDF

The Community First Responder contingent participating in the SCDF Parade for the first time. PHOTO: SCDF

We noticed a group of parade participants in red and white polo T-shirts, who stood out prominently from the rest of the parade. They were the Community First Responders (CFRs), who were taking part in the SCDF Parade for the first time. To recognise their efforts and dedication as first responders to emergencies, they were invited to join the parade as a full contingent.

During the parade, the Guest of Honour, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Deputy Chairperson, Government Parliamentary Committee (Home Affairs and Law) explained how the SCDF Ready Week will help to build strong international partnerships in the global disaster management landscape. This will allow regional partners to respond to major disasters cohesively and effectively.

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim delivering his speech at SCDF Parade 2023. PHOTO: SCDF

Right after the parade, the lights dimmed over the entire arena. We held our breath as SCDF’s Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) entered in formation. During the spectacular launch sequence, the  High Mobility Modular Machine (H3M) and the 3rd Generation Unmanned Firefighting Machine (UFM3.0) were ushered in as the latest additions to the UGV family. Featuring the latest in unmanned robotics technology, these new UGVs will enhance SCDF’s operational capabilities and ensure the safety of its frontliners during major incidents.

An SCDF operator explaining the capabilities of the High Mobility Modular Machine (H3M) to Mr Zhulkarnain. PHOTO: SCDF

The successful launch of the High Mobility Modular Machine (left) and 3^rd Generation Unmanned Firefighting Machine (right). PHOTO: SCDF

There was never a boring moment for us. The Singapore Global Firefighters and Paramedics Challenge (SGFPC) followed soon after the UGV launch and the ‘heat’ was on! We watched various international rescue teams compete against each other in the Global Challenge. In this segment, the Braveheart (individual) challenge was especially impressive to us, as it was truly a thrilling display of strength, agility, skills, and mental endurance. As the rescuers overcame an intense 8-stage course, surged past the finish line and rang the bell, the entire Singapore Expo Hall 3 erupted into a huge roar of cheers and approval.

The Braveheart (individual) Challenge is a test of strength, endurance, and skill. PHOTO: SCDF

Teamwork and coordination are crucial for the Braveheart (Team) Challenge. PHOTO: SCDF

Competing teams prove their mettle in the Rip-it-off challenge, where they rescue a trapped casualty from a vehicle. PHOTO: SCDF

Looking back, the SCDF Ready Week 2023 was a much-awaited return for SCDF and its partners. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, firefighters and paramedics worldwide have remained resilient in their mission, serving the public and saving lives. As we watched their skills and energy in full display throughout the games, we could fully experience and understand their commitment to the lifesaving mission.

Our photo with SCDF officers at the Partners Pavilion of the SGFPC. PHOTO: Gladys Respati