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Thanks to the peace that we enjoy in Singapore, shrapnel wounds, ballistic blasts and gunshot injuries are not commonly encountered by our doctors. However, knowing how to effectively treat such trauma injuries in the battlefield can mean the difference between life and death. Recognising its importance, the SAF had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) in October 2007, paving the way for SAF surgeons to attend the hospital's Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC) course.
To further enhance the training of our SAF Medical Officers, a Military Surgery Module for DSTC was organised on 2 April by the Army Medical Services. Trauma care experts both local and overseas were invited to conduct lectures for 24 Army and Navy Medical Officers, many of whom were NSmen.
Chief Army Medical Officer, COL Benjamin Seet said, "Our In-Camp-Trainings have always focused on deployment training. In order to further the realism of our training, we must focus on value adding to the professional skills of our military doctors. Most of our NS doctors do not have exposure to military trauma in their civilian context and thus training them to be proficient in a more austere military environment is necessary." Such an environment is challenging as doctors face non-sterile conditions and lack the wide range of equipment that is usually available in hospitals. MAJ (NS) (DR) Guo Chang Ming, a course participant said, "These trainings allow us to have greater presence of mind when working in an austere environment. When our minds are properly settled, we will be able to react quickly and comfortably."
Professor Kenneth Boffard, Clinical Head of Department of Surgery, Johannesburg Hospital said, "Singapore is fortunate to enjoy so much stability. However this means that most Singaporean doctors have never seen a gunshot wound and that is not good during war time. However there is no doubt that your doctors can adapt quickly. You have a very good military that is prepared to listen and take advice." Professor Boffard commended Singapore for being one of the few countries pioneering military training in DSTC.
Becoming proficient in trauma care is not solely for war time. With our Army's expanding spectrum of operations, knowing how to handle trauma cases in an austere environment will prepare our Army for all contingencies. COL Seet emphasised how our medical service has grown to meet this increasing demand. He said, "It is only when we've matured as a medical service and in our training systems that we are able to enter this phase. This course is one small step in upgrading the skills of our people from the front line combat medic all the way to the hospitals."
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