Participating in the International Prehospital Emergency Care Programme in Singapore has been an enlightening and enriching experience. I gained valuable insights into the governance and organization of Singapore’s Prehospital Care system, which is meticulously structured and driven by multi-agency collaboration. Learning about the key stakeholders in the EMS response system highlighted the integrated roles of emergency services, hospitals, and policymakers in ensuring seamless care.

The programme also showcased Singapore’s cluster-based healthcare system, organized across three regions, which exemplifies efficient resource allocation and management. Innovations in EMS and hospital systems, including advancements in dispatch protocols and digital solutions, underscored Singapore’s forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

A highlight was the emphasis on research, both published and ongoing, related to Prehospital Emergency Care. These studies demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to evidence-based improvements in patient outcomes. Additionally, the programme facilitated sharing sessions where participants discussed EMS systems across Asian countries, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse approaches and challenges in Prehospital care.

This experience not only broadened my knowledge but also strengthened my network with professionals from across Asia, paving the way for future collaboration and innovation in Emergency Medical Services within the region.

Dr Mohd Fahmi

Prehospital Care Service Unit
Emergency and Trauma Department,
Hospital Sungai Buloh
Malaysia

The programme was a truly enriching experience that broadened my understanding of prehospital emergency care systems globally.  

During the fellowship, I gained valuable insights into Singapore’s advanced EMS system, including dispatch protocols, hospital integration, and community engagement. The sessions on disaster preparedness and multi-agency coordination were particularly impactful, inspiring ideas for potential implementation in India.  

Additionally, the fellowship allowed me to collaborate with diverse healthcare professionals, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and best practices. Working on the CPR education project for school students was a highlight, reinforcing the importance of public engagement in emergency care.  

Thank you for this incredible learning journey.

Over the course of a month, I have gained significant insights into organizing systems, coordinating with stakeholders, optimizing resource utilization, and developing training programs. These experiences were drawn from exchanges about the emergency systems of countries in the region and Singapore, as well as field visits to hospitals such as SGH, Tang Tock Seng, Ng Teng Fong, the SCDF Headquarters, and pre-hospital emergency stations... All of these experiences provided me with unique perspectives and opportunities that I never thought I would have the chance to encounter.

One of the most memorable experiences for me was participating in real-life emergency cases at the Marina Bay Emergency Station. I had the chance to work directly with the on-site teams, sharing both the challenges and the advantages they face. Most importantly, I learned about the immense efforts they have made to build a comprehensive and successful emergency system as it stands today. This was not only a valuable experience but also gave me a deeper understanding of the significance and value of a well-developed emergency care system.

I hope to see more courses like this being organized and achieving even greater success in the future. Such programs are incredibly beneficial for countries with underdeveloped emergency medical systems and pre-hospital care, especially in low-income nations.

Dr Phạm Đình Quyết

Vice Dean

General Planning Department

115 Emergency Center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I gained a lot of valuable experience from participating in this 4-week course. I had the opportunity to see various guidelines and approaches in prehospital emergency care and learned about innovations and developments that can help improve patient care systems. Moreover, I met new friends and exchanged ideas on both cultural and professional aspects with participants from different countries. This allowed me to see the diverse challenges faced by each nation, some of which are similar to the issues we continue to encounter in Southeast Asia. We shared solutions and perspectives, which gave me fresh insights and ideas for addressing problems. This exchange has been incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking for me. I am truly grateful for the chance to join this course, as it has broadened my horizons and perspectives on prehospital emergency medicine. It also provided me with ideas to take back and apply in my country to improve our patient care system. 

Dr Napawan Sinthuwong

Emergency Physician
Medical Director of EMS and Prehospital CareKing Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand

My time in Singapore as part of the program has been profoundly educational and inspiring. Visiting the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) facilities, I was impressed by their innovative ambulance training grounds, designed to simulate real-life scenarios with flexibility and practicality. The integration of VR for patient assessment and multi-injury scenarios, as well as meticulously planned environments like mock emergency departments, exemplifies their commitment to realistic and effective training.

Additionally, learning about Singapore's structured disaster medical command system, with its emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration, offered valuable insights into efficient resource allocation during crises. Observing the SCDF's operational workflow also revealed key differences in emergency medical services, such as their robust equipment inventory management and streamlined restocking systems, which optimize response readiness.

On a personal note, Singapore’s holistic approach to EMT education—linking professional certification to academic qualifications—showed how aligning education with career progression can strengthen emergency medical systems.

This experience has not only deepened my understanding of emergency medical services but also inspired me to consider ways to implement and adapt some of these practices back home. Singapore’s dedication to innovation and excellence in emergency care serves as a model for all of us in this field.

Dr Huang Shuo Kuen

Emergency Physician
National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan

Participating in the International Prehospital Fellowship program years ago deepened my understanding on Emergency Medical Services System and allowed me to network with colleagues with the same interest from other countries. I am now applying these insights and connections to improve the country's emergency response protocols and coordination, strengthening our ability to save lives and manage health emergencies effectively.

Dr Bernadette Velasco

Director for Health Emergency Management Bureau,
Department of Health, Philippines

I am delighted to express my opinion about IPEC. IPEC is a comprehensive learning course that helps the EMS developer to understand the good standard of EMS system in all aspects. The course also creates the inspiration for trainees to make the EMS system in their own country better. 

Dr Ratrawee Pattanarattanamolee

Director of WHO Collaborating Centre,
Khon Kaen Regional Hospital