Member of the Executive Council Mrs Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee today (December 13) reviewed the 188th Fire Services passing-out parade for 13 station officers, 43 firemen, six ambulance officers and 50 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy.
Speaking at the parade, Mrs Ip commended the fire and ambulance personnel of the Fire Services Department (FSD) for being an excellent team in the eyes of the general public, especially in handling major incidents such as those caused by fire, storms and heavy rain, shipwrecks and traffic accidents. Serving with courage, FSD members endeavour fearlessly to rescue persons who are trapped and injured. Their professional performance is admirable, she said.
She added that every aspect of the work of the fire and ambulance personnel had kept abreast of social changes and is highly specialised nowadays.
"Through the implementation of the Specialist Training Enhancement Scheme, which is in line with technique-based and knowledge-based directions, the FSD has formulated a training framework covering 16 specialised areas, including high-angle rescue; live fire and compartment fire behaviour; marine firefighting and rescue; urban search and rescue; paramedical care; fire investigation; law and prosecution; and media training.
"Today, ambulance personnel not only acquire knowledge of basic ambulance aid, paramedic supervisors are also qualified to perform 16 treatment procedures and apply 20 types of drugs, which greatly enhances the quality of pre-hospital ambulance services," Mrs Ip said.
Mrs Ip said the acclaimed firefighting, rescue and ambulance services in Hong Kong today have cemented our position as the pioneer in the region, She noted that such accomplishments and the rapid development in the emergency services are attributable to the dedication of FSD members of all generations, who have been striving for excellence and moving with the times.
"At a time when our society is undergoing considerable disorder, members of the public and I are very grateful that Hong Kong has such a devoted, efficient and professional disciplined force which makes every effort to protect our lives and property," Mrs Ip added.
The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 112 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots.
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