8 SCDF personnel comprising DART Officers, ORNSmen and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) are in Hanoi, Vietnam for the ASEAN Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX) 2013. ARDEX 2013 which runs from 21 to 24 October is aimed at testing the coordination and cooperation between the host country, Vietnam, and participating ASEAN Member States in carrying out joint disaster search and rescue, and relief operations for a major disaster.

This exercise marks the fifth time ASEAN and its Member States have come together. Such exercises not only enhances regional cooperation and coordination in disaster relief, but also helps facilitate a common understanding in disaster response and management amongst rescue teams.