SCDF’s Unmanned Firefighting Machine adapted for operations in MRT tunnels
SCDF has extended usage of its Unmanned Firefighting Machine to rail-related fires. Photo: Yvonne Lim
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has adapted its Unmanned Firefighting Machine (UFM), adding a rail kit so that it can put out fires and conduct ventilation operations in MRT tunnels.
The UFM, which was launched in April last year, is a remote controlled fire-fighting unit built to operate in extreme heat and hazardous environments, by using high velocity airflow to create ventilation in smoke-logged areas, and intense water mist, jet or foam to put out fires.
The rail kit, which is powered by the UFM’s built-in hydraulic system, enables the unit to manoeuvre in tunnels and other rail tracks, at a speed of 40km/h.
The rail-ready UFM was one of the exhibits at the SCDF’s Workplan Seminar today (April 17).
Meanwhile, a mobile app listing the locations of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) was also launched today.
The MyResponder app – put together by the SCDF in collaboration with the SCDF – also allows users to sign up as Community First Responders, to be called upon in an emergency.
The app is the latest feature launched under the SCDF’s Save A Life initiative. A pilot programme of the initiative, which will commence in June this year, will see AEDs installed in every two HDB blocks with CCTV cameras, across six constituencies: Bedok, Bukit Batok, Chua Chu Kang, Pasir Ris West, Radin Mas and Tampines West.
Other programmes that have been rolled out to complement the initiative include the Dispatcher Assisted First Responder (DARE) programme, which provides 40mins of CPR-AED training, and the Neighbourhood Active Responder (NEAR) programme, through which volunteers can obtain life-saving and other emergency skills.
