Ambulance call outs soar last year

The number of requests for ambulance service soared in 2011, the Fire Services announced on Tuesday.
According to data released by the department, local ambulances were called out for 34,119 emergencies last year, an increase of 15.2 percent over 2010.
During a press conference the Fire Services also reported an increase in the number of rescues, up 5.5 percent. There were 955 rescue operations in 2011.
Overall, firemen had to act in more than 35,200 situations, up by 7.2 percent compared to the previous year.
On the other hand, there was only one more fire compared to 2010, with the total reaching 1,098. According to the department there was a monthly average of 91.5 fires reported.
In addition to operations, the Fire Services promoted actions of prevention against fires, including forums with almost 17,100 participants.
In the short-term, firemen’s top priority is prevention of fires during Chinese New Year. The service has been organising security awareness activities together with the Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Cultural Institute and local associations.
Furthermore, on Monday and Tuesday the department conducted inspections of all Chinese temples classified as part of Macau’s World Heritage. Firemen will also be on call at the fireworks areas in both Macau peninsula and Taipa and at the A-Má Temple, on Sunday.