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ambulances, thus improving operational efficiency. The new Trunked Radio System will be put into commission in phases during 1997.
The department is implementing an Address Transmission System to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the mobilising of operational resources. The system will transmit the address of an emergency call to stations responding to the call. With the address printed out, the responding crews can attend to the reported address more expeditiously.
To cope with changing needs, the department is upgrading the Ambulance Mobilising software to enable the system to choose the most appropriate type of ambulance to respond to a call. For example, Emergency Medical Assistant Ambulances will be despatched for trauma cases and ambulances equipped with a defibrillator will be sent for cardiac cases.
Fire Prevention
The department formulates and enforces fire safety policies and regulations. It also assists and advises the public on fire protection measures and the abatement of fire hazards. The department's Fire Protection Bureau places great emphasis on public education on fire prevention. A territory-wide fire prevention publicity campaign with the theme 'Fire Prevention in Industrial Premises' was launched on November 24. The bureau produced 2 000 video tapes and 25 000 pamphlets for distribution to the management and staff of industrial sector. Other publicity activities included radio talk shows, fire station open days and exhibitions.
Fire officers gave 1 058 fire prevention talks to people from different sectors of the community. The talks were supplemented by exhibitions and demonstrations.
Fire Services personnel inspected 95 509 premises of all types and issued 4 691 fire hazard abatement notices for the removal of fire hazards during the year. These helped to ensure that fire-prevention measures met the required standards and to enhance public awareness of fire safety. There were 269 prosecutions in cases of non- compliance, with fines amounting to $1,124,050. Prosecutions for obstructing the means of escape in buildings resulted in 83 convictions, with fines totalling $413,300.
After the tragic fire at the Shek Kip Mei Hongkong Bank in January 1994, a Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Bill was drawn up and introduced to the Legislative Council in May 1996. The new legislation aims to improve fire safety measures of prescribed commercial premises having a floor area greater than 230 square metres. Such premises would include banks, department stores, supermarkets, off-course betting centres, shopping arcades and jewellery and goldsmith shops.
The bureau also sets fire services requirements for new buildings to ensure proper protection for the public. Some 5 623 submissions of building plans, including plans for new airport-related projects, were processed during the year.
Appliances and Equipment
The department operates 660 fire appliances and vehicles fitted with up-to-date fire- fighting and rescue equipment. During the year, three new 50-metre turntable ladder appliances, three new 37-metre turntable ladder appliances, four foam lorries, and 14 new light pumping appliances were bought to replace the old ones.