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PUBLIC ORDER
Bureau staff made 263,685 inspections of all types of premises, of which 150,139 were conducted as a result of complaints from the public about obstruction to the means of escape from buildings. Where fire hazards are found to exist, abatement notices are issued which, if not complied with, can lead to court action. In 1978, prosecutions totalled 5,555 with fines amounting to $1,112,280.
All new building plans are vetted by the bureau which makes requirements for the provision of built-in fire protection and advises on means of escape. More than 8,466 plans were received and processed during the year.
In-service courses for fire officers posted to the bureau were held at all levels. Train- ing was also given to officers from other countries, government departments, factory workers, hospital staff and groups from firms employing security personnel.
At the close of the year the bureau had-a strength of 227, both uniformed and civilian 17 per cent short of the authorised establishment.
Ambulance Command
The Fire Services Department operates the ambulance service which has a strength of 704 all ranks. During 1978, 57 senior ambulancemen and 158 ambulancemen were recruited. Recruitment and training of staff have been particularly active during the year because of the need to provide additional staff for new ambulances and because of the proposed reduced working week from 63 to 48 hours. It is hoped to introduce the shorter working week in the middle of 1979.
During the year, the Ambulance Command dealt with an average of 476 calls a day. This was an increase of eight per cent compared with the previous year. Of the total 173,816 calls, 139,885 were emergencies.
To cope with a steadily increasing demand, the ambulance fleet was expanded by 20 new vehicles in 1978 to 119. These new vehicles, an improved type with automatic transmission, were built in the United Kingdom to the department's specifications. With the completion in 1979 of three new depots at Tuen Mun, Sha Tin and Ngau Chi Wan, service to these areas will be improved and overcrowding at some stations eased.
Modern treatment methods and intensive training programmes are being instituted to improve the existing standards of ambulance aid and treatment techniques. In addi- tion to in-service training, officers also attend courses overseas.
Facilities on ambulances are constantly reviewed and all ambulances are equipped with analgesic apparatus, piped oxygen, inflatable splints, special stretchers and in- cubator-carrying capability.
Appliances and Workshops
The department has some 500 modern operational appliances and vehicles fitted with up-to-date fire-fighting and rescue equipment. Most equipment is purchased from the United Kingdom, but the department is constantly evaluating new products from different parts of the world, with a view to introducing them into service if it is found they fit local requirements.
In 1978, 78 new or replacement appliances and units of various kinds were brought into service and 33 items, which had come to the end of their serviceable life, were