Latest News

SCDF to start hiring foreigners to address manpower shortage & growing demands

SCDF to start hiring foreigners from Mar 2025

In an unprecedented move, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will be hiring foreigners to address a shortage in local manpower and growing demands.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim announced the move while speaking at an event on Tuesday (18 Feb).

In his speech, Associate Professor Faishal stated that the SCDF is currently facing a shortage of local manpower in the roles of paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Source: Facebook

To address the manpower shortage and growing demand, SCDF will start hiring foreigners from Mar 2025 to complement the existing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workforce, which comprises Singaporeans and permanent residents.

“The SCDF will first look to expand the recruitment pool for the EMS from ASEAN countries,” said Prof Faishal.

“Suitable foreign hires” will also undergo “rigorous training” to ensure they can provide the level of service and professionalism that’s in accordance with SCDF’s protocols.

Nearly half of SCDF’s emergency calls are from patients 65 years & above

Prof Faishal stated that Singapore’s ageing population has presented “tremendous challenges” for SCDF and its EMS crew.

Today, nearly 50% of all EMS calls are from patients aged 65 and above. This figure is expected to increase beyond this year.

In addition to hiring foreigners, SCDF will also continue to build up its ambulance fleet resources, said Prof Faishal.

Also read: SCDF ambulance response time to take up to 20 minutes for non-emergency calls, other initiatives to follow

 

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com

Featured image adapted from Singapore Civil Defence Force on Facebook.

Trixy Toh

Recent Posts

Street sweeper in Thailand goes viral for good looks, gets modelling offer

A makeup artist has reached out asking the street sweeper to be her model.

18 Mar 2025, 9:56 am

3 teenagers charged over beating of boy in ITE College West stairwell, another 3 to be dealt with

The accused are reportedly students aged between 16 and 18.

18 Mar 2025, 12:54 am

Man allegedly steals cash & credit card on flight to S’pore, will be charged in court

A witness saw him allegedly taking another passenger's bag from the overhead cabin while the…

18 Mar 2025, 12:07 am

2 residents sent to hospital after electrical riser catches fire in Jalan Kayu HDB block

About 10 people were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

17 Mar 2025, 10:26 pm

Another monsoon surge expected in S’pore from 19-21 March, temperature may drop to 22°C

National water agency PUB warned that flash floods may occur over this period.

17 Mar 2025, 9:20 pm