Joint effort to promote mountaineering safety
In recent years, mountaineering has become more and more popular in Hong Kong. However, according to the records of the Civil Aid Service, 72 mountaineering accidents occurred in 2011 and 58 so far this year, with 166 and 117 people rescued respectively. Most of these accidents arose from lack of preparation and awareness on the part of hikers.
In view of this situation, New Territories North Region's Quick Reaction Force has joined hands with the Civil Aid Service, Fire Services Department, Government Flying Service, other government departments and mountaineering organisations in the past four years in staging a Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day to promote the fun and safety of mountaineering.
This year, the Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day was held at the Civil Aid Service Headquarters on September 23, with Civil Aid Service Commissioner, Mr Ernest Lee, Police Tactical Unit Commandant Cheung Tak-keung, and representatives from several other government departments officiating at the opening ceremony.
On the day, the departments and organisations put up a variety of exhibitions to introduce different mountaineering activities and mountaineering equipment and demonstrate rescue skills, attracting thousands of participants.
The theme of the Quick Reaction Force's participation in the event was "Rural College", offering four study "modules" for members of the public, namely exhibition of rural search and rescue equipment; camouflage and concealment training; introduction of the New Territories North Country Park Signage Index Database and a quiz on mountaineering safety. Those who completed all the four "modules" would gain a better idea of the roles of the Quick Reaction Force in rescue operations mounted in rural areas, as well as the importance of mountaineering safety.
Many guests and members of the public appreciated the creativity and unique design of the booth set up by the Quick Reaction Force. In addition, the Police Dog Unit also participated in the event and gave a demonstration on Police dog search, adding to the highlights of the day.
Quick
Reaction Force officers explain the usage of the rural rescue equipment
to guests and members of the public