The Fire Services Department (FSD) held the Save Lives x Emergency Response Ceremony cum Carnival at The Wai in Tai Wai today (October 18). The event aimed to appeal to the public to save lives in emergencies through various activities, including commendations for organisations and members of the public and an introduction to the FSD Community Emergency Responder (FSDCER) Scheme, as well as interactive experiences, game booths and drama performances.

     In his remarks, the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, said that there are about 8 000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Hong Kong each year, an average of about 22 cases per day. The chance of saving lives is significantly higher if members of the public can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a timely manner. Mr Yeung showed his appreciation for the enthusiastic response from all sectors to the FSD's AED Anywhere for Anyone (AAA) Programme. The number of AEDs available for public use has grown from around 1 000 in 2021 to over 3 700 to date, installed by more than 370 organisations across the city. This year, the FSD has also focused on installing AEDs in common areas of public housing estates to expand AED coverage.

     Mr Yeung conferred the Big Heart Award - Social Responsibility Award to 26 organisations in recognition of their contribution to promoting the AAA Programme. The Assistant Director (Ambulance) of the FSD, Mr Henry Kwok, presented the Save Heart Award to 21 members of the public who courageously assisted individuals in cardiac arrest during emergencies.

     To strengthen community efforts in promoting CPR and AED usage, the FSD established the Resuscitation Alliance (RA) in collaboration with organisations that provide related training or emergency services. With the Scout Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association joining the RA today, the number of RA member organisations has increased to 11. As of June this year, over 230 000 members of the public have completed training offered by the RA, meaning one in every 32 people in Hong Kong has pledged to offer aid if encountering a person suffering cardiac arrest. Since early 2025, over 20 members of the RA have assisted in saving lives in cardiac arrest cases.

     The FSD has provided training under the FSDCER Scheme to over 1 600 volunteer leaders of the 15th National Games to enhance public safety during the Games period.

     The FSD this year will set up 10 CPR & AED Self-learning Kiosks across the community. Through self-learning with the aid of high-fidelity patient simulators designated for CPR training, AED simulators and interactive virtual scenarios, members of the public can practice and receive an instant evaluation powered by artificial intelligence. Public members of all ages participated in self-learning sessions at the experience zone set up at the event venue today.

     The event was organised by the FSD and co-organised by 10 RA member organisations, namely the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Civil Aid Service, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, the Hong Kong Red Cross, the Hong Kong St John Ambulance, the Resuscitation Council of Hong Kong, the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Hong Kong Foundation, the Scout Association of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association. The event was funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as a key initiative under the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Disaster Management Programme. The FSDCER Scheme and the CPR & AED Self-learning Kiosks are also funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

Ends/Saturday, October 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:03

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