In response to media queries on the new combat ambulances, the following reply was issued:

"The new combat ambulances will replace the existing Land Rover ambulances that have served the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for many years now. There are two types of ambulances in the SAF now - namely the combat ambulance and support ambulance. Combat ambulances are capable of manoeuvring across difficult cross country terrain while support ambulances are mainly used on urban roads.

Both types of ambulances are equipped with Advanced Life Support equipment such as patient monitoring device, automatic external defibrillator and oxygen concentrator to provide the most appropriate medical care. The new combat ambulance has the same resuscitation capability as the support ambulance. The main difference between the combat ambulance and support ambulance is the former's cross-country mobility capability provided by its ruggedised Ford-550 Chassis and all-wheel drive. The combat ambulance also has a stiffened stretcher loading mechanism and is installed with stretcher loading winches. To enhance safety, it is also equipped with a rear view camera which enables the driver to avoid obstacles when reversing and improve his situational awareness.

The acquisition of the new combat ambulance is part of the SAF's continual efforts to provide the best possible medical care for our servicemen. The SAF has a rigorous process to ensure that acquisitions are carried out with both operational effectiveness and cost effectiveness in mind. The vehicle is purchased from overseas and the patient cabin developed locally."

Colonel(Dr) Poon Beng Hoong
Chief Army Medical Officer