In a somber turn of events, a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer is set to be charged following the death of a National Serviceman (NSF) during a firefighting operation. This unfortunate incident marks the first fatality of a firefighter during an SCDF firefighting operation, raising critical questions about safety protocols and procedures within the organization. In this article, we delve into the details surrounding the incident, the ensuing investigation, and the measures taken by SCDF to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Incident
On December 8, 2022, Sergeant 1 Edward H. Go, a 19-year-old NSF, was tragically left alone to combat a fire in a unit at Block 91. An investigation revealed that a 38-year-old SCDF officer had allegedly departed the scene, leaving Sgt. 1 Go unattended without informing anyone—a stark violation of standard procedures.
Sgt. 1 Go succumbed to suffocation due to a depleted air cylinder. The autopsy ruled out equipment failure as the cause of death. This shocking incident underscores the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols during firefighting operations.
Charges and Consequences
The SCDF officer responsible for leaving Sgt. 1 Go alone is now set to face charges of causing grievous hurt by a rash act that endangers life or personal safety. If convicted, this offense carries a potential penalty of imprisonment for up to four years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The gravity of the charges highlights the severe consequences of breaching safety procedures in such critical situations.
Additional Officer Under Investigation
In addition to the charged officer, another SCDF officer involved in the incident is under investigation. This officer allegedly failed to ensure the overall safety of the firefighting operation when taking over command and control of the incident upon arrival. The investigation aims to determine the extent of their responsibility in the tragic outcome.
SCDF’s Response and Safety Measures
Following the incident, SCDF conducted a comprehensive review of its firefighting procedures, operational safety protocols, equipment standards, and training practices. While the review confirmed that SCDF’s firefighting doctrine is consistently taught and practiced, occasional lapses were identified.
These lapses, not uncommon in dynamic firefighting situations, prompted SCDF to strengthen safety measures. Among these measures is a tighter equipment check upon arrival at fire scenes, ensuring that all firefighting gear is in optimal condition before deployment.
For larger and more complex fires, SCDF’s firefighting doctrine already mandates the establishment of a staging and breathing apparatus control point to monitor firefighters’ deployment and check their personal protective equipment. Notably, since September 18, 2023, the same control point has been introduced for smaller fires, such as residential unit fires, further enhancing command and control and safety.
Support for Sgt. 1 Go’s Family
SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap expressed the organization’s commitment to providing support to Sgt. 1 Go’s grieving family. Losing a colleague in a firefighting operation was a profound and unprecedented experience for SCDF. The organization recognizes the emotional toll this incident has taken on the entire firefighting community.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Sgt. 1 Edward H. Go serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in firefighting operations. As the investigation unfolds and charges are brought against the responsible officer, SCDF continues to mourn the loss of a colleague and takes steps to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The firefighting community, along with the nation, reflects on this unfortunate event, emphasizing the critical role of safety in protecting those who serve the public in times of crisis.
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