Authors (including presenting author) :
CHEUNG YLE(3),TSUI SHM(1),SIU YCA(2),KUNG CMA(3),LO YK(3)
Affiliation :
(1)Accident and Emergency Department, Queen Mary Hospital, (2)Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, (3)Head Office Major Incident Control Center, Quality & Safety Division, Hospital Authority Head Office
Keyword 1: :
Cross-Boundary Collaborations
Keyword 2: :
International Rescue Operation
Keyword 3: :
National Events
Keyword 4: :
Multi-disciplinary team
Keyword 5: :
Serve Out of Comfort Zone
Keyword 6: :
Breakthrough in History
Introduction :
In response to previous ad-hoc emergency missions and to enhance the Hospital Authority’s emergency preparedness, the HA Special Duty Cadre(HASDC) was established in 2023. It comprises medical, nursing, allied health, and administrative professionals from Clusters for special missions, supported by the Head Office Major Incident Control Centre(HOMICC). Sub-teams requiring specialized knowledge have been also formed.
Objectives :
To forge a multidisciplinary, resilient, and well-prepared team capable of delivering rapid and professional services for special missions—such as major events, state leader visits, and disaster response—through rigorous training and seamless coordination in challenging environments beyond hospital settings.
Methodology :
Members were assessed by the HA Advisory Committee on Disaster Response and a two-tier team was established— "HAWK" comprising experienced members and "Falcon" including individuals with potential for development. To build a robust foundation of knowledge, comprehensive training in command structure and team building have been provided in collaboration with external strategic partners to all members. A gap analysis identified specific training needs, leading to tailored sessions for sub-teams focused on specific tasks for the Accreditation of “Medium” Rescue Team under International Search and Rescue Advisory Group(INSARAG) of United Nations, such as field amputation course. Multiple drills were conducted for members for familiarization. For National Games(NG), National Games for Persons with Disabilities(NGD) and National Special Olympic Games(NSOG), briefings and co-training were held with the government and various sports associations to members. This approach ensures our members are well-equipped to effectively perform their roles in non-hospital environments and extend their collaboration in Clusters.
Result & Outcome :
(i)Myanmar Mission: Four HASDC members joined the HKSAR Search and Rescue Team for the overseas operation following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar in March 2025, ready within eight hours of being called. One survivor was rescued, and the team conducted health consultation sessions within the local community.
(ii)Accreditation for INSARAG Medium Team to be held in Mar 2026.
(iii)Over 91% HASDC members responded to survey feel ready for mission in major events in future.
