Fire Services Celebrates Graduation of 145 New Officers, Emphasizing National Security and Professional Development.

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade

The Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations), Mr Angus Wong, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 15 station officers, 68 firemen and 62 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (September 13).

Speaking at the parade, Mr Wong encouraged the graduates to cultivate patriotism and national security awareness, apart from making all-out efforts to perform fire-fighting and rescue duties. He said that the Fire Services Department (FSD) fully supports the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance which officially took effect in March, and had established a steering committee to comprehensively promote activities on national affairs and national security.

Mr Wong also encouraged the graduates to seize every opportunity for observation and exchange, continuously improve their professional standards and keep pace with the times. He mentioned the Fire Asia 2024 international conference held in Hong Kong in July. The FSD invited numerous experts in the fields of emergency rescue, paramedic services and fire engineering from around the world to exchange views and share experiences on various topics, such as disaster management, fire prevention strategies and emergency preparedness, with a view to jointly promoting rescue technology innovation and cross-regional co-operation.

Mr Wong said, "The FSD has always been committed to integrating into the overall development of the country and has continuously deepened its ties with the fire and rescue brigades on the Mainland. With the signing of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Emergency Management Co-operation and Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Operation Co-operation Framework Agreement by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in June, the Greater Bay Area will further strengthen co-operation and exchanges on emergency responses. In order to enhance the level of emergency management and cross-border rescue effectiveness, the governments of the three places have also jointly formulated the Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Operational Plan. A joint exercise in Jiangmen was held in May to demonstrate the efficient deployment of rescue resources among the three places, with a view to achieving joint prevention and control and complementarity, as well as enhancing the efficiency of cross-boundary rescue efforts."

Mr Wong also said that the FSD had been committed to fire prevention and public education, including improving the fire safety of old buildings and enhancing public awareness on fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 145 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots.

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) reviews Fire Services passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

The public should adopt the following precautions:

Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;

Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;

Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;

For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;

Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and

Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

​The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):

Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;

Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;

Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and

While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

​The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.