Health 179
Auxiliary Medical Service
The Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) is a government department established under the Security Bureau. With a staff of 95 civil servants, it manages a government- financed auxiliary service comprising 4 418 volunteers. In addition to doctors and nurses, all of its members are qualified personnel known as Disaster Medical Assistants. Its main role is to reinforce the regular medical, health and ambulance services during emergencies and to provide backup during ordinary times. The Director of Health serves as AMS's commissioner and is responsible to the Chief Executive for the running of the service.
In addition to regular training, AMS members also carry out joint exercises with the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority and the Department of Health to familiarise themselves with the techniques of lifesaving, treating patients and handling sudden outbreaks of infectious diseases.
In preparation for the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events, the AMS deployed its doctors, nurses and members to assist the Hospital Authority and the Fire Services Department in providing medical and first aid services during a trial run of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events, 'Good Luck Beijing HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup', which was held in Hong Kong in August 2007. The AMS engaged nearly 600 members including 38 doctors and 128 nurses.
A Health Protection Unit has been set up to assist the Department of Health in the event of outbreaks of infectious diseases. Members of the new unit have been undergoing training conducted by doctors and nurses. So far 220 members have been trained. The unit also took part in a refresher course on containing outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the bird flu. In 2007, the AMS was again applauded for its community work and was presented with 'Caring Organisation' award.
Websites
Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk Department of Health: www.dh.gov.hk
Centre for Health Protection: www.chp.gov.hk Hospital Authority: www.ha.org.hk
Auxiliary Medical Service: www.ams.gov.hk