SAF NSF sustained cervical spine injury during parachute training in Taiwan

SINGAPORE — A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time national serviceman sustained a cervical spine injury on Wednesday night (18 December) during unilateral parachute training in Taiwan.

Private Joshua Quek Shou Jie, 21, was immediately evacuated to the nearest tertiary hospital, where he underwent surgery the next morning, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in a statement on Friday.

The surgery proceeded without complications and his condition is currently stable, Mindef said.

Pte Quek is being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit and further treatment to stabilise the cervical spine injury is planned.

An orthopaedic specialist from Singapore has been flown in to help coordinate medical care.

Mindef said Pte Quek’s family was flown in to visit him at the hospital.

“Both parents have spoken with Pte Quek, who is conscious and lucid. The family has asked that their privacy be respected while Pte Quek undergoes further treatment for his recovery,” the ministry added.

Mindef and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), which is investigating the incident, will continue to render full support and assistance to the family, the statement said.

The parachute training has been suspended, pending the outcome of the investigations.

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