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To provide prompt basic life support to patients before the arrival of ambulances to increase their survival rate. |
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HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS?
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First responders are frontline fire personnel specially trained in advanced ambulance aid and qualified to operate defibrillators. |
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The programme, implemented since 8 September 2003, was first introduced at seven strategically located fire stations on a trial basis. |
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With positive results and feedback, the Fire Services Department has extended the programme by phases. At present, first responders are posted at all fire stations, fireboat stations, the Airport Fire Contingent (including two command boats) and diving support vessels throughout the territory |
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First responders attending emergency medical service calls will, depending on the prevailing situation at scene and the weather conditions, wear a yellow reflective vest or a jacket marked with “FIRST RESPONDER＂in Chinese and English at front and back. |
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First responders attending other emergency incidents are in full firefighting protective gear and
can be easily identified by the blue cross marking on their fire helmets. |
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WHEN WILL FIRST RESPONDERS BE DISPATCHED?
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Both first responders and ambulances are dispatched whenever first responders can arrive at the scene earlier than ambulances. First responders mainly handle the following emergency medical service calls: |
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Cardiac disease |
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Airway obstruction by foreign body |
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Absence of breathing / Shortness of breath |
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Severe haemorrhage |
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Unconsciousness |
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Other life-threatening cases |
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First responders also provide basic life support to patients at fire/special service scenes. |
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Call 999 or 2735 3355 if you need emergency medical service. |
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Stay calm and tell the console operator the incident address and the condition of the patient in detail. |
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