For the first time, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will be hiring foreign paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to assist in responding to 995 emergency calls. This initiative aims to strengthen SCDF’s 24-hour Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which currently operates with 95 ambulances. With plans to expand its fleet, SCDF is adapting to meet the increasing demand for medical emergencies, particularly due to Singapore’s ageing population.

The decision to recruit foreigners also helps tackle the shortage of local paramedics and EMTs. As emergency cases continue to rise, maintaining adequate manpower remains a key challenge. Typically, an EMS team consists of one paramedic and two EMTs, ensuring quick response and proper medical intervention. On Tuesday (Feb 18), Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim announced that SCDF would start hiring foreigners, mainly from ASEAN countries, in March. He shared this update during an appreciation event for SCDF responders, partners, and volunteers.

During his speech, Assoc Prof Faishal emphasized SCDF’s commitment to providing swift emergency medical responses. The organization aims to reach 80% of emergency calls within 11 minutes, ensuring timely assistance for those in need. However, the increasing number of EMS calls poses a major challenge. With Singapore’s ageing population, more individuals require urgent medical attention, making it essential for SCDF to strengthen its workforce.

To maintain service quality, all selected foreign recruits will undergo rigorous training based on SCDF’s operational standards and protocols. This ensures that they meet the necessary competencies to serve effectively in high-pressure emergency situations.

According to SCDF’s annual statistics released on Feb 13, the force responded to 245,279 emergency calls in 2024. Nearly half of these cases involved seniors aged 65 and above, highlighting the growing need for emergency medical services. This trend is expected to continue beyond 2025, making workforce expansion a critical priority for SCDF.

By bringing in trained professionals from overseas, SCDF hopes to enhance its capacity, reduce response times, and ensure that every medical emergency is attended to efficiently. The initiative reflects Singapore’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges and ensuring public safety in an evolving demographic landscape.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Rauf Khan