As the new Editor-in-Chief of the Hong Kong Society for Emergency Medicine and Surgery (HKSEMS) webpage, I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Marcus Lo for his dedication and contribution over the past years. He has done an excellent job maintaining our webpage and newsletter, bringing together voices and insights from emergency physicians across Hong Kong. His work has laid a strong foundation for continued connection within our EM community.
Moving forward, I will continue to uphold this mission and invite colleagues from different emergency departments to share their experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. Through these shared stories, we not only exchange knowledge but also remind ourselves of the human side of our profession.
I would also like to share a personal reflection from November last year, when the tragic fire occurred at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. I happened to be on a night shift just a few hours after the incident. Several casualties were sent to our A&E, including exhausted firefighters who had battled the blaze, and a young girl rescued after being trapped in her apartment for nearly seven hours. She held back her emotions at first, but when she was finally reunited with her family, she broke down in tears. Watching that moment, I could only imagine the fear she must have endured — and I deeply admired her strength amidst unimaginable terror.
On the following night, about thirty hours after the fire, I was deployed to the scene as a Medical Command Officer. What we faced was heart-wrenching — victims who had lost their lives, some still beside their loved ones, others alone. Many were beyond recognition. The sorrow and helplessness in those moments are difficult to describe. My deepest condolences go to the victims and their families. May they rest in peace, and may those who have lost their homes find the courage to heal and rebuild.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who offered immediate and ongoing help — from government agencies to community volunteers. Their swift response and compassion truly reflect the resilience and solidarity of Hong Kong people.
Let us continue to care, to serve, and to share.
Dr Gordon Wu Yuet Hong
Editor-in-chief
Newsletter of Hong Kong Society for Emergency Medicine and Surgery