HK scouts earn new emergency responder badge in fire services partnership

The Fire Services Department and Scout Association of Hong Kong unveiled a deeper collaboration on Friday, introducing a dedicated Community Emergency Responder Badge for Scouts and naming the association as the first accredited training body under a scheme designed to turn everyday citizens into confident first responders.

The partnership aims to weave lifesaving skills into the fabric of youth development.

Under the Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder Scheme, launched last year, participants aged 12 and above—or younger children with parental supervision—learn fire prevention basics, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automatic external defibrillator operation.

To make the material more engaging for Scouts, trainers have incorporated video lessons and hands-on drills, allowing successful completers to display the new badge proudly on their uniforms as a symbol of readiness to protect themselves and assist others.

Scout leaders form the backbone of the rollout. This summer, the Fire Services Department trained about 120 experienced Scout supervisors in advanced teaching methods and rescue techniques, ensuring consistent quality as they fan out to instruct peers.

Already, roughly 500 Scouts have graduated as certified responders, with ambitions to reach 1,500 next year.

The initiative extends beyond badges and certificates. It builds a network of accredited organizations capable of running their own courses, with the Scout Association leading the way.

Fire officials have been courting groups across sectors to expand this trainer pipeline, amplifying community resilience one workshop at a time.

At the announcement ceremony, Fire Services Director Andy Yeung celebrated the milestone, thanking the Scouts for instilling civic duty in young people and pledging continued joint efforts in fire safety education and public awareness.

Scout Chief Commissioner Wilson Lai echoed the sentiment, praising the professional guidance provided in curriculum design and trainer coaching, and expressed hope that the alliance would keep shaping responsible teenagers for Hong Kong’s future.

Both leaders closed with a civic reminder, urging residents to vote in the upcoming Legislative Council election on December 7 to support candidates committed to a safer, stronger city.