Exercise Heartbeat 2024 highlights emergency readiness through realistic simulations and collaboration with community partners.
Collaborative Efforts for Safety
SINGAPORE – The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is strengthening community preparedness in partnership with organizations such as schools and places of worship, according to Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim. This statement followed the latest iteration of Exercise Heartbeat, a counter-terrorism drill held at ITE College West on 18 November 2024.
The event comes in the wake of a knife attack at a Bukit Timah church on 9 November, underscoring the importance of readiness in mitigating terror threats.
Exercise Heartbeat 2024
The drill simulated a terror attack, beginning with the discovery of a suspicious bag near a carpark lift. When a “terrorist” detonated the bag, chaos erupted, creating a realistic training environment for over 40 participants, including police, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), and student volunteers.
Student participants, members of the Lionhearters Club, provided first aid amid simulated gunfire and explosions. Ms. Lim Yi Hui, a 20-year-old volunteer, said the experience felt real but emphasized the importance of focusing on aiding the injured.
ITE College West principal Alice Seow highlighted the value of such exercises in cultivating a culture of readiness among youth, reinforcing their role in community safety.
Coordinated Response
The simulation demonstrated the seamless coordination of emergency services:
The Ground Response Force arrived first, followed by the Emergency Response Team, which neutralized attackers in the carpark.
SCDF paramedics, escorted by police, triaged and transported injured participants.
A secondary scenario involved hostage negotiation in a multipurpose hall, culminating in a tactical rescue by police officers.
Community-Driven Preparedness
Exercise Heartbeat has been an annual initiative for over a decade, conducted in various settings, including malls, hotels, and lifestyle hubs. Associate Professor Faishal emphasized the collective responsibility in countering terrorism, stating: “Everyone plays an important role in the fight against terrorism.”
This year’s exercise highlights the SPF’s ongoing efforts to involve diverse community partners and prepare Singaporeans to respond effectively to potential threats.
