SCDF’s Hazmat Team Activated After 9 ITE Students Suddenly Fell Sick After NAPFA Test

The National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) test tests an individual’s physical capabilities—similar to the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) for NSFs and NSmen.

Lest you’re not aware, the most tiring test that is considered to be the most dreadful is the 2.4km run (or walk if you’ve given up on passing).

Despite it being known as a very tiring section of the test, it is uncommon for many people to fall ill immediately after the run.

However, on Monday (6 Feb) morning, the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) hazardous material (Hazmat) team was activated at ITE College East after nine of their students told their teachers that they were feeling unwell after taking their NAPFA test.

No Abnormalities Detected

According to the SCDF, a fire engine and their Hazmat response team were sent out to monitor the situation and conduct tests around the test area to check for anything uncommon.

Despite their efforts, the SCDF concluded that there was nothing out of the ordinary in the surrounding environment (that could’ve led to the students’ condition).

The students who were affected were sent to the hospital. Eight of the nine students were discharged by 8:40pm on the same day, while the last student was in stable condition and was waiting to be discharged, according to ITE College East’s principal, Dr Yek Tiew Ming.

He further added that the students were accompanied by their parents and teachers during their visit to the hospital.

Safety Measures Were in Place

According to the school, students were required to perform a warm-up routine before the test. This is done to ensure that the students are well-stretched to prevent injuries or complications from happening.

Furthermore, to prepare the students for the test, the school started training the students three weeks before the test. This was done to ensure that the students were at the proper fitness levels before the actual test date.

During the test itself, safety measures were also put in place. For example, water points were placed around the running track to ensure that if any student dropped out of the race, they would have water readily available.

The students were also told that they should stop running if they were feeling unwell at any point during the test.

As a precautionary measure, the school (just the school, not every school hor) has since suspended the NAPFA test until further notice.

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Featured Image: Kajima Overseas Asia