New equipment for Emergency Units brings rescue boost Even more effective help will soon be at hand in an emergency thanks to the allocation of more advanced rescue equipment to all Emergency Units. The equipment includes portable command tents and LED billboards for use during public functions, along with high-powered hydraulic equipment to rescue trapped people. EUs in all regions now have the rescue tools which were previously only used by the Fire Services Department. Director of Operations Dick Lee Ming-kwai visited the Emergency Unit of Kowloon East on June 16 to sample the new equipment which Superintendent of EU KE Gary Yuen told OffBeat would step up safety, efficiency and confidence in disaster response. "Safety is our top priority and hands-on training is emphasised to enable officers to integrate the knowledge and master the skills being taught. Jaws of life: PC Ng Yan-kit and the portable hydraulic pincers "We aim to enhance our officers' ability to function effectively at different levels of emergency response, utilising techniques and equipment with efficiency and confidence," Mr Yuen said. The new temporary command tent is the largest in its size measuring 3.6 metres high by 4.6 metres wide, and is pumped up within two minutes by air-pumps. Station Sergeant of EU KE Wong Kwok-keung said apart from being a command post, the tent could also be used by officers to cover excavating works, take statements, and use as a resting place. The LED board, measuring 2.5 metres by 3.8 metres, provides road diversion messages to the public and alerts them on safety measures in crowd control operations. It can store up to 119 lines of bilingual messages which can be edited at the scene. For more effective rescues during disasters and emergencies, there are also new hydraulic rescue sets, such as the RS-1. It includes a pump, a jack, hose reel and a pair of high-powered multi-functioned pincers which can cut, pull, support and expand with a force of more than 30 tonnes. There is also a smaller, portable version. There's a hydraulic door-breaker which allows officers to safely break into a premises. It is different to door rams and sledgehammers as it only pushes open the door without smashing it to the floor and risking injuries to those behind it. EU officers were being regularly drilled with the new tools using evacuated old housing estates such as Lam Tin, to practice breaking into premises. EU KE said it will organise demonstrations for other Districts and Divisions within KE Region, the first slated for July 8 at Tseung Kwan O Division. The new command tent and LED boards have already seen some action and proven highly effective. The tent was recently used by Tseung Kwan O Division during a crowd control operation for the Tin Hau Festival and at another exercise in Sai Kung. There are now six LED boards in Kowloon East Emergency Unit and are being frequently used in Ngau Tau Kok Division and Wong Tai Sin District for crowd control. (click for more photos) << Back to Index >>