NS55 - Our Army’s Pandemic Frontliners

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NS55 - Our Army’s Pandemic Frontliners

During the onset of the pandemic, our Army deployed our soldiers to support the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the nationwide effort to contain COVID-19. Our soldiers’ responsibilities range from stabilising COVID-19 outbreaks in migrant worker dormitories, setting up COVID-19 Recovery Facilities, to running contact tracing and medical logistic operations.

We spoke to CPL (NS) Vinod Misra, Combat Medic, and 1SG (NS) Elfi, Senior Medic, both from the 2nd Combat Support Hospital (2 CSH), who were both deployed for one of our Army’s COVID-19 operations at the Singapore Expo’s Community Care Facility which house patients who were clinically well but still tested positive.
 

Corporal (CPL) (NS) Vinod Misra (left) and First Sergeant (1SG) (NS) Elfi (right)

 

Can you share what you did on a day-to-day basis during this deployment? 

Vinod: We were deployed to the medical post in the hall where many of our migrant workers resided. Some of the tasks involved teaching the migrant workers to take their own temperature, vital signs taking and swabbing when necessary. The hardest part was probably letting our body clock adapt with the shift timings, which spanned over 12 hours each time, with 2 shifts per day.

Elfi: Our role was to provide clinical health care services and medical aid such as monitoring blood pressure and heart rate, measuring oxygen saturation, electrocardiogram (ECG) and supporting patients physically and mentally when they are recovering from COVID-19. Besides physical health, we also tried our best to help them out in terms of mental health. The most painful part of the job would probably be providing medical services while wearing the full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

 

Taking the temperature of a patient as part of their daily screening.

 

What were some of your thoughts when you first knew that you were deployed for the COVID Ops?

Vinod: I was actually excited and looking forward to participating in this deployment, and it was an excellent opportunity to practise what we were trained for in National Service. Our trainers also imparted sufficient knowledge to us and furnished us with adequate equipment to ensure our safety. We were the first batch of NSmen from the CSHs to help out with this operation, and overall it was pretty fulfilling. My family was supportive as they knew it was a good way for me to give back to Singapore.

Elfi: I had mixed emotions as, at that point, the pandemic was still in its early stage, and the main concern would be the safety of my family. I assure them that it would be okay as our Army has a very strict protocol to protect its soldiers and their families.


While it was an In-Camp Training (ICT), each of you was given a choice to participate in the COVID Ops. What made you decide to volunteer for this operation, given the high risk back then? 

Vinod: I choose to participate in this COVID ops and other similar operations when needed as I feel that it is my duty when we are called upon. The bonds between our soldiers are very real, and we looked out for each other during, before and after this period. Our Commanding Officer was there at every shift change, while everyone was on the ground together, and I believe that is what our Army is about. I am not as fearful knowing we have the training and expertise to do what is needed.

Elfi: I would like to help the workers as they are the ones who help us build this nation's infrastructure and buildings. If given the chance to revisit this decision, nothing would change as I want to contribute to the nation as much as I can.
 

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of Our Soldiers.

 

How did it feel like wearing the PPE so often and for an extended time?

Vinod: Wearing the PPE is really hot! I remember instances where I went in dry and came out drenched.

Elfi: It feels hot, and it restricts physical movement, but this experience and the memories and camaraderie forged will stay with us forever.


What was the most challenging part of being a frontliner during the COVID-19 Ops? 

Elfi: The hardest part was ensuring our PPE is secured and sanitising before and after wearing of the PPE. The challenge is overcome by the help our comrades gave to check each other's bearings and sanitising protocol.


How did your family support you throughout this period?

Vinod: My parents would send encouragement over WhatsApp as they are unable to see me face-to-face. 

Elfi:  My wife would help to handle the kids in terms of daily activities while I participated in this COVID-19 operation.


What are some of the experiences during this operation that left an impression on you? 

Vinod: During the COVID-19 operation, one of the migrant workers' phones was spoiled. He asked whether we could get him a phone, but we were unable to do so. I felt bad and helpless, but we tried to help him out and be there for him. 

Elfi: I remember a patient approaching me having breathing difficulties. The medics and doctors did a check on the patient and helped to provide oxygen and prepare an ECG, and we successfully evacuated him to the nearest hospital.


 

1SG (NS) Elfi undergoing refresher training during his ICT.

 

In hindsight, do you think NSmen should be deployed to support such operations during ICT? 

Vinod: I believe NSmen should be deployed for such operations. At the end of the day, we have the training; during every ICT we do our recertifications and we are ready. Every function in the organisation is needed. And through this operation, it is evident that it works. 

Elfi: I believe ICT helps NSmen to experience first-hand situations and put their skills to the test with the training they have gone through.


What are some of your key takeaways from this operation? 

Vinod: Coming from 2 CSH, we were surrounded by doctors who explained the dos and don’ts when it came to keeping ourselves and others safe. My Platoon Commander is from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and showed us how to better protect ourselves. I believe throughout all my Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) years, this is the most meaningful one.

Elfi: My key takeaway would be that effective teamwork is crucial to enable us to provide adequate and proper healthcare to patients during our duty.


Personally, why do you think National Service is important? 

Vinod: I believe National Service is important as it helps to shape us into a man. Furthermore, it gives us a sense of importance, and the friendship we built here lasts a lifetime!

Elfi: National Service is important as it keeps the country secure and stable. As such, if and when a live threat occurs, no matter physical or medical, we will be ready.


Any words to share with future generations of NSFs? 

Vinod: Enjoy your two years. One day I hope you find out your own reason for the song “Have you ever wondered why must we serve!”

Elfi: When you first enter National Service, you would not know which unit you are posted to. Despite this, no matter what unit you are posted to or what tasks you are handed with, you should take pride in your work. You never know in the future when a real scenario or situation might arise. Always be ready to battle the problem, no matter how challenging. 


Written by: LCP Scott Pang (Army News)
Photography by: LCP David Goh (Army News)