SCDF to hire foreigners to complement teams in EMS workforce effective March 2025

This initiative comes amid an increasing demand for emergency medical services, while SCDF faces a shortage of local manpower for certain roles.

In response to increasing demand for emergency medical services (EMS), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has announced that from March 2025 onwards, foreigners will be hired to complement EMS teams. This initiative aims to address manpower shortages and ensure continued efficiency in emergency response times. 

The announcement was made during the Responders, Partners & Volunteers Appreciation Event 2025 by Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State (MOS) for the Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development, on 18 February 2025 (Tuesday).  

MOS Faishal emphasised that despite SCDF’s goal of responding to 80% of EMS calls within 11 minutes, the growing call volume — driven in part by Singapore’s ageing population — has posed significant challenges for the SCDF and its EMS crew. 

"Continual public education to call 995 only for emergencies has also helped to manage the demand on EMS," MOS Faishal stated. "Overall, these initiatives have enabled SCDF to ensure that emergency resources are available for those who need them the most."

SCDF anticipates that beyond 2025, medical call volumes will continue to rise, with nearly 50% of overall EMS calls already coming from patients aged 65 and above. Given the shortage of local paramedics and emergency medical technicians, expanding the recruitment pool is seen as a necessary step. 

"The SCDF will first look to expanding the recruitment pool for the EMS from ASEAN countries. If necessary, we will expand it beyond the region," MOS Faishal said.  

"Suitable foreign hires will undergo rigorous training, to be accredited to SCDF’s standards. This will ensure that the foreign hires provide a level of service and professionalism that is in accordance with SCDF's EMS protocols." 

READ MORE: How employers surveyed in Southeast Asia are approaching inclusivity in hiring