SCDF Unveils New Gen 7E Ambulances With Capacity for Two Patients

Doubling Capacity for Emergency Response

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has rolled out a new generation of ambulances capable of transporting two patients at once. This shift from the single-patient capacity of previous models marks a significant change in the agency’s fleet. These seventh-generation (Gen 7E) vehicles are currently entering service to boost the efficiency of emergency medical operations nationwide.

Reducing Physical Strain on Responders

The Gen 7E ambulances introduce an improved stretcher loading system engineered to minimize the physical toll on emergency personnel. By incorporating an upgraded pulley mechanism, the SCDF has streamlined the process of loading and unloading patients. The organization reports that this reduction in required physical force directly enhances the safety of ambulance crews during patient conveyance.

Optimizing the Paramedic Workspace

Internal cabin modifications prioritize clinical access. The new design provides additional legroom at the airway seat, allowing paramedics better reach when attending to patients. Perhaps most notably, the SCDF has swapped traditional front-facing seating for side-facing configurations.

Shifting Toward In-Transit Resuscitation

Major Yeo Ren Jie, senior staff officer for emergency medical services deployment (systems), explained that the seating overhaul was driven by crew feedback and a review of international best practices. “For Singapore, our approach is more of a load-and-go concept, whereby we will try to do a lot of resuscitation processes inside the moving ambulance,” Major Yeo told CNA.

Secured Care During Transit

The side-facing seats allow paramedics to deliver direct care while remaining buckled in. To facilitate this, the seats feature high-mobility seat belts. These restraints allow crew members to shift their upper bodies, ensuring they can perform medical procedures and reach patients without needing to unbuckle while the vehicle is in motion.

Integration Timeline

The SCDF has not yet specified a final completion date for the full integration of the Gen 7E fleet into its existing emergency response operations.