MEDICAL AID UPFRONT

Speed and precision are critical in any battle. This applies not just to warfare, but also the fight to save the lives of wounded soldiers.

A serviceman suffering from massive arterial bleeding in his leg is likely to die within three to five minutes without immediate medical attention. Now armed with new and improved equipment such as the combat tourniquet, the combat medic will be able to stop the bleeding within seconds.

With the launch of the 3rd Generation Army Medical Support System on 10 Jul, troops can expect faster and better medical treatment at every stage along the casualty evacuation route - from the front line right up to the base hospital.

By equipping these mobile medical stations with cutting-edge technology and moving them closer to the front line, the new system enhances casualty survival across the Army's full spectrum of operations and training, said Chief Army Medical Officer Lieutenant-Colonel (Dr) Chua Wei Chong.

And even before the casualty is evacuated to any of these medical facilities, the 3rd Generation combat medic is at hand to perform critical emergency care at ground zero.

The SAF Medical Training Institute will begin training troops in the use of the new equipment in September, and all combat medics will be equipped with the new medical kits by April next year.