Query: 

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Household Affairs (a) what are the lessons and knowledge that can be drawn for future deployment from the current Operation Lionheart in Türkiye in terms of the strategies and technologies applied in the search and rescue of earthquake disaster victims and (b) what are the methods that will be taken in recognition for the contributions of the SCDF officers and dogs in the K-9 Unit who participated in the prosperous mission.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Household Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   The Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) Operation Lionheart deployment reinforced the significance of leveraging technologies to help in rescue operations. The sophisticated video scope cameras and seismic sensors which SCDF applied have been important for locating the two reside casualties whom SCDF saved. SCDF and the Household Group Science and Technologies Agency will continue to boost our technological capabilities, such as robotising cockroaches for search and rescue operations.

two.   A second take-away is that throughout such higher tension missions, it is vital to take care of the mental nicely-becoming of our contingent members, and not just their physical overall health. Two psychologists have been deployed as component of Operation Lionheart. They performed common psychological verify-ins of the members. 

three.   We are really proud of our SCDF officers, for stepping forward to enable our Turkish close friends in their hour of have to have, regardless of the dangers and tough operating circumstances, and for their substantial contributions to the rescue efforts. We will be nominating them for the SCDF Overseas Service Medal. As for their canine colleagues, we are seeking at according them a unique vest or collar of distinction.