FSD and Scouts Launch Emergency Responder Badge to Boost Community Safety Training in Hong Kong

FSD and SAHK combine efforts to encourage Scout members to participate in FSDCER Scheme

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.

FSD and SAHK combine efforts to encourage Scout members to participate in FSDCER Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FSD and SAHK combine efforts to encourage Scout members to participate in FSDCER Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FSD and SAHK combine efforts to encourage Scout members to participate in FSDCER Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FSD and SAHK combine efforts to encourage Scout members to participate in FSDCER Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FSD and SAHK combine efforts to encourage Scout members to participate in FSDCER Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FSD and SAHK combine efforts to encourage Scout members to participate in FSDCER Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images