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As the search dog darted across the rubble, it sniffed intermittently before barking, alerting rescuers to a potential “survivor” trapped beneath. Upon confirming the “survivor’s” location, the rescuers worked methodically, cutting through a thick reinforced concrete slab with their rescue equipment. Not far from them, a Medical Doctor worked with a Paramedic to treat a rescued “casualty”.
One of the search dogs in the Operation Lionheart contingent (left) conducting a search, while rescuers (right) breached through a concrete slab to reach “survivors”. PHOTO: SCDF
This was one of many scenarios during the 36-hour field exercise for SCDF’s INSARAG External Reclassification (IER), in which SCDF strived to maintain its Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team status. The exercise was based at the Civil Defence Academy and the Home Team Tactical Training Centre at Mandai.
What the IER assesses
The IER assesses the capabilities of international USAR teams against recognised standards set by INSARAG. The contingent must demonstrate the ability to conduct USAR operations, provide medical aid, and coordinate effectively with international counterparts in disaster-hit countries. A 13-member classification team, made up of disaster response experts from seven countries, were present at this year’s IER to assess SCDF’s 80-member Operation Lionheart contingent.
An IER Classifier (in blue vest) assessing SCDF rescuers during the exercise. PHOTO: SCDF
Speaking to Rescue995, three SCDF officers, LTA Mohamed Salih Shaik Dawood, SGT3 Nur Nabilah Binte Azahari, and LTC Foo Yiing Kai shared their experiences at the IER.
(From left to right) LTA Mohamed Salih Shaik Dawood, a Deputy Rescue Officer, SGT3 Nur Nabilah Binte Azahari, a Paramedic, and LTC Foo Yiing Kai, USAR Coordination Officer, at the IER. PHOTO: SCDF
Two years of preparation
“Leading up to the IER, the contingent went through a 24-month preparation process to identify areas for improvement and align ourselves closely with INSARAG’s standards,” LTA Dawood explained. Throughout this process, the contingent also received guidance from Mr Paul Burns, an experienced IER mentor from New Zealand.
With 26 years in DART, LTA Dawood (left) taps on his experiences to provide valuable guidance for his colleagues during USAR operations. PHOTO: SCDF
“Through scenario-based exercises, we sharpened our skills in USAR operations and medical response, while strengthening the coordination with our international counterparts,” LTA Dawood shared.
The contingent’s medical team provided crucial support to the rescuers. “As Paramedics, we had to triage and stabilise rescued “casualties”, working with the Medical Doctors to provide advanced medical care,” SGT3 Nabilah said.
SGT3 Nabilah (middle) treating and stabilising a “casualty” at the IER. PHOTO: SCDF
“The IER scenarios presented different challenges from our day-to-day operations. In a disaster setting with confined spaces, we had to improvise and make decisions quickly,” SGT3 Nabilah said.
One particular scenario left a lasting impression. “At about 3am (19 hours into the exercise), we had to concurrently manage two “casualties” in critical condition. One “casualty” was crushed under a concrete slab, and the other had a suspected brain injury and was unresponsive,” SGT3 Nabilah described.
The medical team treating and stabilising “casualties” during the exercise. PHOTO: SCDF
“Working closely with our rescuers, we treated both “casualties” throughout the extrication process. That experience tested not only our clinical skills, but also our teamwork and resilience,” she added.
Upholding excellence since 2008
During the closing ceremony of the IER, anticipation filled the air. Breaking the moment of suspense, UN INSARAG representative, Mr Winston Chang announced, “You passed!”, drawing cheers and applause from the contingent.
This marked SCDF’s third reclassification as a Heavy USAR Team - the highest level of recognition accorded to international USAR teams, reaffirming the contingent’s high standards and readiness in disaster response.
The INSARAG patch certified SCDF’s Operation Lionheart contingent as a Heavy USAR Team. PHOTO: SCDF
SCDF first attained the Heavy USAR Team classification in 2008, becoming the first in the Asia-Pacific and seventh in the world to do so. The contingent has since retained the status in 2013, 2018, and now 2025.
LTC Foo Yiing Kai, who was part of SCDF’s first classification in 2008 and reclassification in 2025, has personally witnessed the contingent’s growth over the years.
“In 2008, I was a Rescue Specialist in the contingent. At that time, the INSARAG guidelines primarily focused on the contingent’s ability to conduct safe and effective USAR operations, and self-sufficiency in overseas deployments,” LTC Yiing Kai recalled.
17 years later, LTC Yiing Kai is now a USAR Coordination Officer. Drawing from his Operation Lionheart experiences in Sichuan, China (2008) and Kathmandu, Nepal (2015), he now oversees the deployment of the contingent and resources to the disaster worksites, and coordinates with international USAR teams.
LTC Yiing Kai (seated, first from left) liaising with the disaster management “authorities” during the IER. PHOTO: SCDF
“Back then, the disaster scenarios were set up from scratch at Mandai Training Village by stacking containers, laying concrete slabs, and converting buildings into makeshift disaster zones,” LTC Yiing Kai said.
“This year’s IER showed how far we have come. Training and assessment are more advanced thanks to the purpose-built facilities at the Civil Defence Academy and the Home Team Tactical Training Centre, which replicate complex disaster environments,” he explained.
“Over the years, the contingent’s grit and resourcefulness remained unchanged. Every successful rescue felt like a collective victory and these moments defined the spirit of SCDF. I was pleased to watch my younger colleagues step confidently into leadership roles. This gives me confidence that the next generation is ready to carry the torch,” he added.
Prepared for deployments
A group photo of the Operation Lionheart contingent with COMR Eric Yap (first row, centre) and SCDF Senior Management. PHOTO: SCDF
Reflecting on the successful IER, SGT3 Nabilah said, “Rescue operations truly rely on teamwork, support and trust. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence for deployment.”
For LTA Dawood, the IER reminded him of his experiences during the contingent’s deployment to Myanmar in March this year, after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
“We had to work tirelessly for eight hours to rescue a man trapped under a partially collapsed three-storey building. This is the kind of scenario the IER prepares us for,” LTA Dawood said.
“By training together, we can adapt quickly and overcome challenges. This reclassification reaffirms our purpose and dedication to SCDF’s lifesaving mission, even beyond Singapore’s shores,” he added.
Agreeing with him, LTC Yiing Kai said, “Retaining the Heavy USAR Team status proves that Singapore can integrate seamlessly with the global USAR system, working alongside other international USAR teams in disaster response.”
35 Years of Operation Lionheart
This year also marks 35 years since SCDF’s first Operation Lionheart mission in 1990. To commemorate this milestone, COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF, unveiled a 150-page book titled “Operation Lionheart: SCDF’s 35 Years of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Beyond Singapore” at the closing ceremony of the IER.
The Operation Lionheart Team Leader for the IER, AC Lim Beng Hui (left), presenting the Operation Lionheart Commemorative Book to COMR Eric Yap (right). PHOTO: SCDF
“Having seen the contingent in training and in actual deployments, it brings me endless pride and honour to see the team being reclassified for a third time. I’ve seen how much the team has evolved from a novice in the region to one that is highly respectable, displaying pride and professionalism whenever we are deployed,” COMR Eric Yap said.
The commemorative book captures the history of all 21 Operation Lionheart missions to date, honouring SCDF officers who have saved and touched numerous lives beyond Singapore, while inspiring future generations to carry SCDF’s humanitarian mission to greater heights.
Read the Operation Lionheart Commemorative Book.