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The public have come to expect professional and efficient mountain rescue services from the Fire Services Department’s Ambulance Command. Little did they know that they can also rely on members of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF), which comprises dedicated volunteers from all walks of life that can be easily identified by the letter “A” or “HKAP” pattern on the epaulettes of their uniforms, as an injured hiker found out on the Eagles Nest Nature Trail on September 27.
After the incident, the injured hiker posted a photograph on social media of the Auxies rendering assistance to him, expressing his gratitude: “Applying ice on me, and lending me a shoulder to lean on. I am grateful to those who serve and contribute to the community.”
The four Auxiliary members of the Sub-Urban Patrol Team of Cheung Sha Wan Division (CSWDIV) – Auxiliary Sergeant Martin, Auxiliary Senior Police Constable Raymond, and Auxiliary Police Constables Ah Chan and Chu Tsai were moved by the social media post of the injured hiker.
Even the smallest act of care and kindness can provide a timely and strong bond within the community. The four Auxies were conducting anti-crime patrol in a sub-urban area under cloudy, hot and humid conditions when they received report of a suspected injured hiker in the vicinity. Martin led his team to swiftly and accurately locate the injured person through their professional mountaineering knowledge and vast hiking experience, which enabled them to attend to and alleviate the swelling of the hiker’s right ankle.
As the injured hiker was aware that he had not suffered a fracture, he expressed his wish not to call for an ambulance. Martin applied his first-aid expertise to evaluate the condition of the injured hiker as well as the safety of the scene, and opined that there was no imminent danger. Thereafter, the four Auxiliary members worked hand-in-hand to devise a plan to find a gentler descend from the hill, thereby putting the injured hiker and his hiking buddies at ease. Raymond and Chu Tsai escorted the injured hiker, at the same time finding the safest path ahead to advance; Martin and Ah Chan shouldered the responsibility of taking care of the injured hiker. The injured hiker and his hiking buddies subsequently descended from the hill safely to seek medical assistance.
The four Auxies of the Sub-Urban Patrol Team were delighted to hear that the injured hiker was safe and sound. This minor accident gave the injured hiker an opportunity to learn more about the HKAPF, and highlighted the varied nature of duties performed by the Auxiliary Police. All willing members of society are invited to join the HKAPF to serve the community.
Some of the more unique types of duties conducted by the HKAPF include the sub-urban patrol and bicycle patrol during weekends and general holidays. Auxiliary members are deployed to different police districts upon successful completion of the related basic training, thereby taking another role for “Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty”.
