Medical Evacuation in HDB Blocks Undergoing Lift Upgrading Programme

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs where only one lift in the HDB block will be operating due to LUP, whether there are (i) contingency plans by SCDF for a high-rise medical evacuation where the only serviceable lift has broken down; (ii) risk assessment plans and method to show that the procedure is safe and can be safely executed without endangering the lives of the victims and paramedics; and (iii) drills being conducted for such eventualities.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: For medical emergencies in HDB blocks where evacuation by lifts is not possible for whatever reasons, SCDF paramedics will usually use the staircases to access the patient's floor. Evacuation of the patient is also done down the stairs as this is the most feasible option under the circumstance. However, compared to situations where a serviceable lift is available, the evacuation may take a slightly longer time. Throughout the evacuation process, the paramedics will ensure the safety and stability of the patient.

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At the Civil Defence Academy, SCDF paramedics are put through rigorous training exercises and drills. This ensures that the paramedics are physically fit and mentally resilient, ready to handle a wide range of emergencies without compromising the safety of their patients and themselves.