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Health 185

Auxiliary Medical Service

The Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) is a government department under the Security Bureau with an establishment of 93 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 Disaster Medical Assistants. Its main role is to reinforce regular medical, health and ambulance services during emergencies and to provide backup during ordinary times. The Director of Health is the AMS's Commissioner and is responsible to the Chief Executive for the efficient running of the service.

AMS is prepared at all times to deal with unexpected and urgent situations affecting public health. About 2 500 of its members are qualified inoculators ready to provide a public vaccination service for prevention of seasonal and infectious diseases. A Psychosocial Response Team has also been set up with about 40 members possessing psychosocial first aid knowledge and skills to render initial treatment to people suffering emotional shock from disasters and calamities while awaiting fuller professional treatment.

The AMS also gives talks to the public on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, drug abuse and other such matters. It has received the 'Caring Organisation' award from the Hong Kong Council of Social Service for five consecutive years in recognition of its community work.

Websites

Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk eHealth Record Office: www.eHealth.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

Health and Medical Development Advisory Committee: www.fhb.gov.hk/hmdac Healthcare Reform: www.myhealthmychoice.gov.hk.