Psychologist says mental support was provided for firemen deployed to Tai Po fire

發佈日期: 2025-12-26 21:08

TVB News

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A psychologist in the Fire Services Department said two-third of firefighters deployed to the Tai Po fire have been provided with mental health support, and none are developing serious emotional problems. 

Some 2,800 firefighters were deployed to tackle the Tai Po fire that broke out one month ago at Wang Fuk Court.

At least 161 lives were claimed, including a fireman Ho Wai-ho. Two-thirds of the firefighters have received mental health support, up to now.

A clinical psychologist of the Fire Services Department Lisa Ma said many of the frontline firefighters struggle to fall asleep and lose their appetite, while some feel upset and experience guilt. 

However, she said she has not observed anyone becoming serious so far because Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder or PDSD usually develops four to six weeks after a traumatic event. 

Ma said some colleagues in the communication unit are also coping with emotional distress as they have to handle many calls from affected residents seeking assistance.

She said the officers' emotions could easily be triggered as their intense emotional response came from empathy for the victims. 

The Department also noted most of the firemen are mentally stable, and the mental health support for this incident will last for one year.