On Call With Singapore’s SCDF Emergency Medical Services: When Minutes Can Mean Life Or Death

Meet the medical emergency services team from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) - from 995 call takers, to ambulance dispatchers, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

CNA Insider gets unprecedented access to SCDF’s operations centre, fire stations where ambulance crews stand by, and the resuscitation room at Singapore General Hospital - to track what happens when your critical emergency call comes in.

But not every call is a genuine emergency - and it risks diverting resources from urgent cases.

(Video produced in partnership with the Singapore Civil Defence Force.)

00:00 Intro
00:30 How SCDF call takers triage 995 calls
01:50 Responding to cardiac arrest case
03:46 Why minutes matter in medical emergency
07:10 How medical emergencies are prioritised
07:15 Paramedics save a critical epilepsy patient
10:14 Case of a frequent 995 caller
11:18 Ambulance navigates red light safely
13:23 Dealing with non-emergencies and false alarms
15:06 Impact of non-urgent calls on life-saving operations
17:43 What is considered an emergency?

Also watch:
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[jacqueline]

My grandmother had a stroke 6 years ago. I called 995 and almost couldn’t get the words out. The lady was really calm and talked me through. SCDF came so fast and got her to the hospital within the golden timing. My grandmother recovered really well and is 102 years old today. Thank you for all that you do.

[estajmi]

This hits home as I recently had to make a 995 call. I was surprised when the call connected after just one ring. Despite being trained in first aid, I found myself overwhelmed when attempting CPR. Fortunately, the emergency video system officer provided invaluable assistance while we waited for the paramedics.

Though she didn't make it, I'm grateful to CNA and SCDF for their public education efforts and Singapore's exceptional healthcare system. To the dispatcher, video call officer, and paramedics involved, though I may never know who you are, thank you for your professionalism and dedication. It was a harrowing experience, and I often grapple with feelings of guilt, wondering if I could have done more. Your incredible professionalism deserves a big salute.

[samkwok]

Thank you to our scdf paramedics! I was involved with traffic accident last week and paramedics came very fast to assess me and convey me to hospital 🏥

[roxiane]

My Dad almost died from a cardiac arrest some years back, I have the utmost gratitude to the paramedics who came swiftly and brought my dad back to life with CPR and AED. Thank you all so much for the good work you’ve done.

[flightsimulater]

i wish more singaporeans would appreciate them more. i've personally heard too much stuff about how people think they're inefficient and inadequately trained. but i know, when they face an emergency, they will call these heroes. i hope to be like you guys one day, you saved my mother and father's life and allowed them to still be with me.

[medic]

From an American paramedic, I love your system. Calling the 995 caller on the way to the call to start your assessment. Beautiful. Being able to categorize the patient as non-emergency and advise of options. We do the same thing but we ultimately have to transport them. Love how you prioritize your patients. Kudos from across the pond! I see that we all deal with BS (non-emergency) calls all around the world. There is a guy calling for toe pain for 4 months at 4am in Singapore also. Makes me smile.

[belmarmom]

It's the same all over the world. People call ambulances for the silliest reasons. I wish they'd learn that ambulances are for emergencies not boo-boos.
I've been an EMT in the US for over 20 years. I'm extremely impressed with the SCDF system. The paramedics are incredible. Keep up the good work.

[jag]

SCDF Paramedics saved me in 2022 when i had a heart attack. If not, without this critical intervention and help from them, i won’t survive. I can’t thank the team enough. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[shermanlow]

Watching this documentary was not only informative but deeply moving. Our SCDF and hospitals truly exemplify teamwork in ensuring patients receive timely medical intervention. By showcasing their work and challenges, CNA has not only honoured their dedication but also brought awareness to the invaluable role they play in our communities. Thank you once again for your outstanding work in producing such an impactful documentary. It serves as a powerful tribute to the selfless individuals who tirelessly serve others in matters of life and death. Our healthcare workers truly deserve our salute. 😍

[trevorthai]

Salute to our hardworking and professional SCDF personnel & healthcare workers when we need them :)

[colleenpellant]

WOW! The entire medical staff from the Paramedics to the Emergency staff is top tier. I've never seen a patient intubated, placed on the Lukas machine and transported into the ambulance at that incredible speed. Fantastic job! I wish other countries could be so lucky.

[MrKzspy]

This is such a real depiction of EMS. I am a proud member of EMS and thank CNA for showing the public what we do

[SpikeyOfficial]

What amazing professional healthcare staff. I work for the British Ambulance service, but I have to say I would feel very safe in Singapore emergency services hands

[cubular]

SCDF saved my dad's life on two occasions: the first time in 2012, when he had a heart attack and was alone at the school where he teaches. Thankfully a janitor found him slumped against a wall. They did a stent then. The second time a few years later, he was tinkering with his car when he felt the familiar sensation. He had the good sense to call 995 before it kicked in and made it to NUH for a triple bypass. Ten years on, he is still hale and hearty. His story may be a bit long but not unique and I'm sure many, many others have similar ones to tell of too. Thank you, angels of SCDF.

[zackdezul]

I saw my mum at the start. Hi Mama! Thank you for helping everyone ❤ ~ Ciara 0:03

[btcprox]

Honestly wouldn't mind seeing this expanded to a longer doucmentary series, to see how Singapore's emergency medical services deal with various ailments and situations

I already binge on other documentary series on ambulance / hospital services from UK and US, so it's neat to have a similar spotlight on Singapore

[systemconfig]

I was an ambulance medic in SCDF during my national service in 2013. I am one of the lucky few who really enjoyed my time doing national service. It is such a fulfilling job and I'm still proud that I got that opportunity.

[ohmygod]

I’m just starting this video but I know it’s gonna be good. Propose CNA to make this as a documentary series ❤❤❤❤

[alexooi]

Just want to say a big THANK YOU to SCDF for saving our lifes. Salute!

[dark_chain]

I was involved in a road accident, and the scdf paramedics came as soon as possible, kudos to them for getting to patients quickly and doing their best to save lives