Hong Kong Conducts Interdepartmental Counter-Terrorism Drill at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Service

International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services concluded

The Government Flying Service (GFS) today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill and exchange session at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) at the GFS Kai Tak Division, with the participation of the GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), showcasing Hong Kong's professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks and concluding the three-day symposium.

The Controller of the GFS, Mr Eddie Liu, said that the GFS has always played an important role in emergency response and rescue. In addition to assisting in search and rescue, providing air ambulance and other emergency aeromedical services, the GFS also shoulders the responsibility of maintaining the internal security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). In emergencies such as terrorist attacks, the GFS would make rapid deployments to assist the disciplined services in conducting air assaults, offering all-round support to the HKSAR Government's overall counter-terrorism efforts.

The drill simulated a scenario in which terrorists attempted to launch multiple bomb attacks on critical infrastructures and tourist attractions, while their accomplices hijacked a passenger vessel and engaged in a gunfight with the Police on board. The GFS deployed helicopters to support the Police's assault operation, while GFS personnel carried out the rescue and evacuation of gunshot victims, demonstrating the GFS' roles in emergency rescue operations. After the Police had safely disposed of the improvised explosive device, the FSD dispatched personnel to prevent the spread of hazardous materials and set up "decontamination facilities" to cleanse those who had been contaminated. There were also panel displays and demonstrations on site to showcase the latest technological advancements in the aeromedicine industry in various places around the world.

ISERAS was held from June 16 to 18, bringing together more than 230 government officials, policymakers, experts and academics as well as representatives from institutions to jointly explore the latest developments and future directions in aeromedical services and emergency response, thereby underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia.

The Government Flying Service today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services. Photo shows Fire Services Department personnel setting up "decontamination facilities" to cleanse those who have been contaminated during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services. Photo shows a bomb disposal robot being deployed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau to render safe an improvised explosive device during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services. Photo shows ambulance personnel of the Fire Services Department taking an injured person to the hospital after initial treatment during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services. Photo shows police officers subduing a terrorist during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services. Photo shows GFS personnel providing aerial support in the rescue and evacuation of gunshot victims with a helicopter during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services. Photo shows the GFS providing support to the Police's assault operation with a helicopter during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 24) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.

In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:

• Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
• Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
• Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
• Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:

• Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
• The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
• Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.

The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
• Seek shade;
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.

Source: AI-found images