New FSD programme enhances life support measures in community (with photos)
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The Fire Services Department (FSD) today (June 22) officially announced the “AED Anywhere for Anyone” Programme and the launch of an online information platform named “Centralized AED Registry for Emergency” (CARE) (www.hkfsd.gov.hk/aed) , aiming at incrementally increasing the number of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that can be easily accessed by the public and providing relevant information to enable citizens to locate an AED to save a life more easily in case of emergency.
With the FSD taking the lead, AEDs have been installed outside over 100 fire stations and ambulance depots across the territory for public emergency use since May this year. The department has also put AED signs on over 600 FSD vehicles equipped with an AED to help disseminate the message.
Launched today, the FSD-developed online platform “CARE” provides information about over 900 AEDs placed throughout Hong Kong in terms of the locations, quantities, available times and more, which has been provided voluntarily by participating government departments and organisations. The public can access the site and obtain the information via browsers of mobile phones, computers or other mobile devices without the need to download any applications or software, or prior registration. The participating organisations can also log in anytime to update the information on their AEDs.
The participating units in the initial stage of the programme include the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the MTR Corporation Limited, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Sik Sik Yuen, the Pok Oi Hospital Board of Directors, the Yan Chai Hospital Board of Directors, the Hong Kong Red Cross, Hong Kong St John Ambulance, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Chinachem Group, Nan Fung Property Management, New World Property Management Company Limited, Savills Property Management Limited and Kai Shing Management Services Limited.
The popularity of installation and use of AEDs in the community hinges on the support and co-operation from various sectors. The FSD expresses its gratitude to the participating units and will continue to actively encourage more organisations and people to support the programme, enhancing the life support measures in the Hong Kong community and safeguarding the lives of the public.