Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Multi-Functional Aero-Support Agencies: Insights from the Government Flying Service Emergency Response Operations

Introduction: The Government Flying Service (GFS) plays a crucial role in Hong Kong’s emergency response system as the exclusive aero-support agency. Its responsibilities include medical evacuation, in- and off-shore search and rescue, fire-fighting, underslung load operations, and various other tasks. As a versatile and multi-functional entity, these responsibilities also introduce significant challenges for operational managers and coordinators in planning and resource management during incidents. A survey was designed to investigate the challenges faced and the vital information required during complex emergency operations management. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was designed and distributed to 16 operation managers and 24 coordinators. They were asked to rate the challenges they faced in managing complicated emergency response operations and the vital information required to support their decision-making and operational coordination. Each listed item was scored on a 10-point Likert scale, with points labeled as “Least challenging” (1) and “Most challenging” (10), as well as “Least important” (1) and “Most important” (10), respectively. Results: Among the 28 (70%) respondents, 11 are operation managers, and 17 are coordinators. For managers, the most challenging condition is “Discrepancies between reported information from the tasking agency and the real situation” (mean = 7.73); the most important information is “Aircrew availability” (mean = 8.18). For coordinators, the most challenging condition is “Multiple active communications (phone, radio, fax, colleague)” (mean = 8.06); the most important information is “Casualty condition (for Search and Rescue, Medevac)” (mean = 7.71). Conclusion: By analyzing survey data on the critical issues encountered and essential information needed during complex emergency scenarios, this study seeks to provide valuable insights for enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes within multi-functional aero-support agencies. The findings have the potential to drive improvements in operational management practices and inform future training strategies for managers and coordinators in similar contexts.