Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends of HKSEMS,

As I write this message for our newsletter, I am filled with mixed emotions. My role as President of the Hong Kong Society for Emergency Medicine and Surgery (HKSEMS) has covered two terms, from 2021 to 2023 and then 2023 to 2025. Now, as we are approaching the end of 2025, I am preparing to step down as president of HKSEMS. It has been my honour to work with a group of committed Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians who devoted their time to develop EM speciality and improve EM care in Hong Kong. Before I depart, I would like to share thoughts on our recent activities, including key events such as our first Greater Bay Area Emergency Medicine Conference in 2024 and our 40th anniversary funfair this year. I will also discuss our mission, programs, and ongoing efforts to support our community.

Established in 1985, our society aims to advance the field of emergency medicine and surgery in Hong Kong. We function as a network of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who collaborate to advance EM training and care in Hong Kong. Our programs not only focus on EM related development but also involve educating the general public about EM knowledge. We organize workshops, conferences, and courses that assist in maintaining the local standard of emergency medicine in line with other parts of the world.

Over the years, we have expanded our training to a wider range of healthcare professionals. In addition to our main emergency medicine programs, we have provided courses for nurses, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and even dentists. Last year, we have also updated our trainee induction course to better meet the requirements of new participants. It now includes more practical elements and guidance based on interactive sessions, helping them adapt quickly. Furthermore, we are developing a structured emergency medicine course specifically for novice or private emergency nurses. This will offer them reliable training that may not be available in other settings, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care.

The border restrictions during the COVID-19 period affected the connection with our longstanding counterparts in Shenzhen, not to mention those in other parts of mainland. Thus, reconnecting with colleagues in Mainland China was an important step following the lifting of the border infection control. We not only further strengthened the relationship with Shenzhen but also extended the connection to other regions in Greater Bay Area, which played a key role in our achievements during 2024.

Turning to 2024, a major highlight was our inaugural ‘Greater Bay Area Emergency Medicine Conference’, held from May 24 to 26 at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park in Sha Tin. With the great support from our closely collaborated Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine, this event marked a significant advancement, integrating our 8th Hong Kong Shenzhen Emergency Medicine Conference with a focus on the Greater Bay Area. Apart from Shenzhen, the conference was also supported by Guangzhou, Macau and Zhuhai. Nearly 500 attendees participated, including doctors, nurses, and specialists from Hong Kong and other regions in the Greater Bay Area. The agenda covered engaging topics such as point-of-care ultrasound, featuring the first POCUS Olympics—a practical contest that encouraged skill-building. Discussions also addressed disaster preparation, the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and strategies for managing complex cases in a regional context. This conference demonstrated the value of cooperation within the Greater Bay Area. It is about creating a platform where active exchange among the EM experts in Greater Bay Area can be achieved, and I am glad we were able to host it.

Moving to this year, we marked our ‘40th Anniversary Funfair and First Aid Challenge’ on September 21 at the Hollywood Plaza Atrium. This complimentary event, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., attracted hundreds of families, totalling far more than a thousand community members. Our goal was to honour four decades of HKSEMS in a manner that was enjoyable, informative, and accessible to all. Displays highlighted our history, with photographs and accounts from our early years. Our past presidents recounted stories of rescues and challenging situations, which engaged the audience. Performances by the SDM Jazz Dance troupe and the St. John Band added energy, with music and dance that encouraged participation.

The central feature of the day was our ‘ First Aid Challenge ‘. This activity was the main attraction of the day with good cause. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a basic but crucial technique that can save lives, and we aimed to highlight its importance. The competition involved individuals of various ages, particularly young people, in learning chest compressions and the operation of automated external defibrillators. It raised awareness of the need to assist in emergencies, fostering an environment where helping others feels instinctive and supportive. Participants, including youth, gained practical skills that could prove vital in real situations.

Our emphasis on CPR stems from its potential impact. In Hong Kong, we are taking initiative by promoting it within the community ahead of widespread government measures. Research shows that prompt CPR by bystanders can greatly increase survival chances in cases of cardiac arrest, yet many lack this knowledge in this locality. By presenting it in an engaging and competitive format, we are encouraging broader adoption that may prevent losses in the future.

In addition to these prominent events, we have maintained a strong focus on education. Beyond our standard ‘EEEM (Exit Examination in Emergency Medicine) Preparatory Workshop’, which has been held for years, we introduced the first ‘IEEM (Intermediate Examination in Emergency Medicine) Preparatory Workshop’ and the ‘PEEM (Primary Examination in Emergency Medicine) Workshop’. These workshops are essential for trainees, aiding their preparation for specialist exams. They include breakdowns of key subjects, sample questions, and advice from knowledgeable instructors, building assurance for the upcoming generation of emergency specialists.

We have also refreshed our newsletter. Previously straightforward, it now features an improved design with appealing visuals, interactive components such as interviews, and contributions from members. This keeps our community informed and involved in our activities.

Finally, we are delighted to announce that we have obtained the in-principle approval by the Inland Revenue Department on becoming charity organisation, upon us having made proposed amendment to the Memorandum of Association of HKSEMS. The amendment will be on the agenda for discussion in the coming EGM.

In summary, these four years as President have been rewarding. From renewing ties with Mainland China to organizing innovative conferences and community events, we have strengthened HKSEMS considerably. Our initiatives—such as the updated trainee course, new preparatory workshops, and outreach to diverse healthcare workers—are positioning us well for continued progress. The forthcoming course for emergency nurses will further contribute to this.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you, including all Council members who offer tremendous assistance, our sponsors who support our programs, and to each member who has contributed – It is all of who form the foundation of HKSEMS. I sincerely believe that our society will continue to innovate, collaborate, and save lives with the same passion shared by our predecessors for 40 years. I will remain connected, assisting future activities. Thank you for these meaningful years.

With appreciation,

Dr. Yang Siu Ming, Sam

President, HKSEMS (2021–2023, 2023–2025)