PUBLIC ORDER
The programmes to commission the second Mobile Casualty Treatment Centre to strengthen the ability of the Fire Services Department to handle multiple casualty incidents and to equip all ambulances with automatic external defibrillators reached a final stage and will be completed in early 1998.
Communication
A new computer-aided Trunked Radio System has been put into service since September. It provides more radio channels and restricts unauthorised users from intruding into the system. The system also provides better communication between the Fire Services Communication Centre and all fire appliances, fireboats and ambulances, thus improving operational efficiency.
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. The system is expected to be commissioned in late-1998.
Upgrading of the Ambulance Mobilising software is also in progress. The upgraded system will be able to select 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 Fire Protection Command places great emphasis on public education on fire prevention.
A Community Relations Unit was set up in September to strengthen community education and relations, with a view to arousing the fire safety awareness of the public. The 'Fire Safety Ambassador' scheme launched in May aims to provide fire safety training to members of the community, who will then disseminate such knowledge and skills generally. To kick off the scheme, boy scouts, girl guides and members of the department's Public Liaison Group were trained as Fire Safety Ambassadors. Arrangement was also made with the Housing Department to conduct 'Train-the-trainer' courses for members of the Estate Management Advisory Committee, who will then provide training to the residents of various public housing estates. The scheme will be extended to other sectors of the community. At the end of 1997, 534 persons had been trained as Fire Safety Ambassadors and trainers.
A fire prevention campaign with the theme 'Fire Safety in Commercial Buildings and Industrial Buildings' was launched on November 30. The Fire Protection Command produced 2000 video tapes and 20 000 fire safety pamphlets for distribution to the management bodies of the commercial and industrial sectors and the public respectively. Other publicity activities included broadcast of fire safety messages through radio before and after the launching of the ceremony, fire station open days and exhibitions.
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