Reply by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, to Parliamentary Question on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator training for all SAF servicemen

Miss Cheng Li Hui: To ask the Minister for Defence whether the SAF will train all servicemen on techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of the automated external defibrillator considering that it is a basic and crucial form of first-aid in the event of a terror attack.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are medical skills that are important both during SAF training and in operations. During Basic Military Training (BMT), all recruits are trained in basic first aid. Since September 2010, they are also trained in CPR and use of AED. In addition, servicemen deployed as instructors in SAF Training Institutes and in medical vocations undergo regular CPR and AED training. Operationally ready NSmen in medical vocations are also required to attend CPR and AED training, during their in-camp training. SAF’s CPR and AED training programme is accredited by the National Resuscitation Council.