The Fire Services Department (FSD) and Scout Association of Hong Kong (SAHK) today (November 14) announced two recent arrangements in their collaboration to boost participation among Scout members in the Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder (FSDCER) Scheme. SAHK has launched the Community Emergency Responder Badge under its Active Citizenship Badge Series, while the FSD has officially recognised SAHK as the first Accredited Training Institution under the FSDCER Scheme.

     The FSDCER Scheme was launched with an aim to equip members of the public with basic fire prevention and emergency knowledge, thereby enhancing their ability and confidence in responding to emergencies. To encourage keen participation by more Scout members, the FSD adjusted the training mode by adding more video viewing and practical sessions to make the emergency knowledge and techniques easier to master, such as the operation of an automatic defibrillator (AED) and administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Scout members completing the course can wear the Community Emergency Responder Badge on their uniform to show their commitment in protecting themselves and helping others during emergencies.

     To step up the promotion of the FSDCER Scheme, the FSD has been actively inviting organisations from different sectors to participate as Accredited Training Institutions. Organisation leaders with basic emergency preparedness knowledge will be further equipped with FSD courses to become CER trainers for hosting CER training sessions dedicated for other members. As the first Accredited Training Institution, SAHK arranged around 120 Scout leaders, who have received emergency preparedness training before, to take part in the specialised training provided by the FSD in July and August. The specialised training, covering traditional teaching methodologies and practical sessions of rescue techniques, was arranged to guarantee the quality of training well-inherited. To date, around 500 Scout members have undergone training courses delivered by these leaders and have become FSDCERs.

     The Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, said in a speech that the FSD and SAHK are continuing to work together in areas including publicity on fire prevention, emergency preparedness education and promotion of lifesaving knowledge. He expressed his gratitude in witnessing a new milestone reached in this partnership. He also appreciated SAHK's contribution to nurturing civic awareness and social responsibilities among teenagers, and its utmost effort in supporting the FSDCER Scheme with a target to recruit 1 500 Scout members to become FSDCERs next year.

     The Chief Commissioner of SAHK, Dr Wilson Lai, said he expected that Scout members taking part in the FSDCER Scheme should be prepared to protect themselves and offer assistance to those in need, as well as promote a safety culture in the community. He showed appreciation to the FSD for offering professional assistance in designing course materials, coaching trainers and arranging publicity. Dr Lai said that he hoped the co-operation can consistently contribute to nurturing teenagers for the sake of Hong Kong's development in future.

     The FSD launched the FSDCER Scheme in 2024 to recruit members of the public to receive training on basic fire prevention and emergency preparedness, as well as the administration of CPR and operation of AED, thereby equipping them to help safeguard the community. The FSDCER Scheme is open for application to Hong Kong citizens aged 12 or above, while those aged 6 to 11 can join if accompanied by their parents or guardians. Participants will be appointed as a FSDCER to promote fire prevention and emergency response knowledge in the community, and to extend a helping hand to those in need during emergencies. Their ability to protect themselves and others can further strengthen the overall emergency preparedness of Hong Kong.

     Mr Yeung and Dr Lai both called on the public to cast their votes in the Legislative Council General Election on December 7 to elect capable candidates to help build an even better Hong Kong.

Ends/Friday, November 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:50

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