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The Government Flying Service (GFS) and the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine (HKCEM) have jointly established an Air Medical Officer Programme to enhance the quality of emergency air medical service for the people of Hong Kong.

Launched on August 19 this year, the Air Medical Officer Programme is a pilot project jointly set up by the GFS and the HKCEM with 24 Accident and Emergency (A&E) qualified doctors from public hospitals enlisted as Auxiliary Members of the GFS. The doctors are members of the HKCEM which is one of the constituent colleges of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine.

Speaking at a press conference to announce details of the programme today (October 7), the Controller of the GFS, Captain Brian Butt, said, "The programme is intended not only to achieve maximum operational efficiency for the GFS's air ambulance service in search and rescue work and casualty evacuation, but also to provide immediate professional and expeditious medical care to the victims and casualties."

Initially, two Air Medical Officers are on duty at the GFS base at the Hong Kong International Airport every weekend and on public holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. The doctors operate as part of the aircrew on rescue missions. They have been given specialised training, including aeromedical course, helicopter safety training and emergency drills.

"The Secretary for Security has given full support to the programme. We strive to explore all resources to enhance the quality of our emergency air medical service," Captain Butt said.

During the past six weeks, the Air Medical Officers have been engaged in 18 mountain rescue situations and 13 casualty evacuation flights.

The President of the HKCEM, Dr C H Chung, was pleased with the way the programme has gone so far and the enthusiasm shown by the team of doctors.

"I am particularly pleased that all aspects of the programme have progressed smoothly. Despite their very busy schedule, these doctors have come forward and given up their free time on weekends and public holidays to serve the community. Their efforts are most admirable," Dr Chung said.

"We will consider expanding this service in the future to enroll more medical personnel with training in emergency air medicine," he added.

The Hospital Authority (HA) also welcomes and supports the Air Medical Officer Programme, which provides public doctors of the Emergency Medicine specialty an opportunity to serve the community and to gain valuable exposure in emergency rescue operations.

"The training in emergency medicine outside a hospital setting will benefit A&E doctors and public hospitals, and in turn, all patients, by further improving the quality of medical services at our A&E departments," said Dr Beatrice Cheng, Executive Manager (Professional Services) of the HA who co-ordinates A&E services in public hospitals.

"We are delighted to see the enthusiasm of the A&E doctors who devote their off-duty time to volunteer service for the community. Their professionalism and dedication have the full support of the HA," she said.

End/Saturday, October 7, 2000

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