On the morning of 29 May 2024, the Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 1st SCDF Division’s 11 Rescue Unit and 11 Medical Unit (11 RU/MU) gathered at the National Service Training Centre for a significant milestone in the unit’s history - the INSARAG-Recognised National Accreditation Process (IRNAP) ceremony.
NSmen from 11 RU/MU at the IRNAP ceremony on 29 May 2024. PHOTO: SCDF
Back in October 2022, 21 Rescue Unit and 21 Medical Unit became the first SCDF NS units to complete the United Nations' International Search and Rescue Advisory Group's (INSARAG) National Accreditation Process. This accreditation has empowered the SCDF to conduct certification of its NS Rescue and Medical Units as Medium Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, based on INSARAG standards.
COL Tay Zhi Wei, Commander 1st SCDF Division, giving his opening address at the ceremony. PHOTO: SCDF
By completing the IRNAP Certification, 11 RU/MU has emulated this success and proven that it can function as a Medium USAR team. Looking back, the unit's journey towards IRNAP certification has been equally challenging and memorable.
In October 2023, 11 RU/MU was in Year 3 of their In-Camp Training (ICT) when they first attempted the 24-hour IRNAP Rescue Proficiency Assessment. Although the unit was well-prepared and raring to go, the assessment had to be stopped due to the inclement weather. Undeterred, the unit prepared for a second attempt the following year.
Back in 2023, NSmen from 11 RU/MU were visibly disappointed when their IRNAP certification assessment was stopped due to the inclement weather. PHOTO: SCDF
In the six months leading up to the 2024 IRNAP certification, the 11 RU/MU commanders worked closely with officers from 1st SCDF Division to painstakingly roster the required manpower and plan the necessary logistics for the assessment. Throughout the preparation, various senior SCDF officers shared their expertise with the 11 RU/MU servicemen. This included instructors from the Civil Defence Academy, USAR experts, USAR technicians, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officers from 1st SCDF Division.
As the Year 4 ICT was shorter in duration compared to Year 3, the 330 NSmen from 11 RU/MU knew that they had to quickly refresh their hands-on skills and complete their preparations for the assessment. Within three days, they completed the required training and were ready for the assessment exercise on 25 May. Midway through the 24-hour exercise, a 5-hour spell of bad weather again threatened to end the assessment. Regardless, the men kept their spirits high and bided their time.
When the weather finally cleared up, the NSmen resumed their mission with renewed purpose and vigour. Together, the RU conducted search and rescue work, breaching through numerous concrete slabs to access casualties, while the MU provided on-site medical response for the various medical scenarios.
“11 RU/MU’s story of IRNAP accreditation was one of overcoming the odds with sheer determination and sacrifice,” recalled Commander 1st SCDF Division, COL Tay Zhi Wei. He observed many instances in which the NSmen put aside their own fatigue and motivated those around them to push on. At about 5 a.m. the next morning, they achieved mission success. As summed up by COL Tay, “Victory is the sweetest when it is hard earned!” It was truly an unforgettable moment for the men, as it dawned on them that they had finally achieved the IRNAP accreditation.
During the exercise, the response capabilities of 11 RU/MU were evaluated based on the IRNAP framework. PHOTO: SCDF
Rescue995 had the privilege of catching up with the Unit Commander of 11 MU, LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh Seo Kiat. Having passed his 50th birthday, LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh had already completed his ORNS obligations. However, he volunteered to extend his National Service, as he was determined to see the unit through the IRNAP certification.
COL Tay Zhi Wei [left] presenting the Letter of Appreciation to LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh Seo Kiat [right] during the IRNAP ceremony on 29 May 2024. On 1st June 2024, Dr Goh was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). PHOTO: SCDF
Rescue995: Could you share more about your journey in SCDF and 11 MU?
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh: During my Full-time National Service, I was posted to SCDF as a Medical Officer. I was a Medical Officer with the Rescue Battalion in 1st SCDF Division for more than 10 years. When 11 MU was formed in 2020, I was transferred over from 11 RU.
Rescue995: Why did you volunteer to extend your service beyond 50 years old?
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh: The postponement of the IRNAP certification in 2023 due to bad weather was really disappointing for our men, as they had trained so hard for the big day. Since the unit was formed, I have watched my men grow from fresh rookies to highly proficient rescuers. I really wanted to finish this journey with them, by achieving the IRNAP certification together. I am thankful to SCDF for the opportunity to fulfil this wish.
Rescue995: What are your roles and responsibilities in 11 MU?
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh: Unlike the previous Rescue Battalion structure, in which the medical platoons reported to the Battalion HQ, 11 MU is an independent unit that works closely with 11 RU. 11 MU is responsible for the timely medical treatment of casualties during a crisis.
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh Seo Kiat [right] commanding his men in 11 MU during the IRNAP certification assessment on 25 May 2024. PHOTO: SCDF
Rescue995: How was your team evaluated during the IRNAP assessment?
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh: We were assessed on our ability to work cohesively as a team and provide timely medical treatment. For example, our advance party must be able to treat casualties that we come across during the initial reconnaissance of the disaster area. Speed is of the greatest essence, as the window to save severe trauma patients is small.
Rescue995: Could you share a particular moment during your service that stands out as particularly impactful or meaningful?
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh: It is hard to pinpoint a specific moment, but I am very proud to see how we have grown to become a cohesive and capable medical unit. I will never forget the bonds we have forged and the journey we took together in achieving the status of a Medium USAR team.
Rescue995: How do you balance your personal life with your NS obligations in SCDF?
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh: As an orthopaedic surgeon, my skills come in handy as the Unit Commander of 11 MU. I am grateful to my employer for being supportive of my NS commitment and to my family for their understanding and support throughout.
Rescue995: What message would you like to share with your fellow NSmen about the importance of resilience and dedication?
LTC (NS) (Dr) Goh: As a nation, we must never take peace, security, and safety for granted. I strongly believe that resilience, dedication, and perseverance will help us to pull through any crisis.
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