Dr. Patrick Che-to YEUNG has promoted the Acupressure in First Aid (AFA) to all walks of life since 1987, developing traditional Chinese acupoint knowledge into a non-invasive first aid tool and setting an important milestone in the history of first aid. Now, I am pleased to see the publication of the eighth edition of the Acupressure in First Aid Manual: ACUPPRESSURE IN FIRST AID, 18 Points for Treating Common Emergencies.

As a Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner and the Chief Examiner of Hong Kong China Life Saving Society, Dr. Yeung has been dedicated to integrating Chinese and Western first aid knowledge and techniques. AFA is the best example of such integration. AFA is simple and easy to learn. Since its introduction to the Hong Kong community, it has not only attracted many lifeguards to be trained and apply the skills in their daily work, but has also been recognized and respected by lifesaving organizations around the world.

This compact manual with illustrations is easy to read, providing detailed information for beginners in AFA for reference whenever needed.

In order to inherit and further promote AFA, Dr. Yeung has donated the copyright of this manual to the Acupressure in First Aid Federation Hong Kong. His admirable selflessness is highly respected. I sincerely thank Dr. Yeung and his team for their continuous efforts in conducting relevant research and bringing hope to those in need.

Lau Hon Wah, Steve SBS, BBS, CStJ, JP

President, Hong Kong China Life Saving Society
April 2024

At the beginning of the Chinese New Year, I am pleased to see the newly published eighth edition of the Acupressure in First Aid Manual: ACUPPRESSURE IN FIRST AID, 18 Points for Treating Common Emergencies. It is more delighted to note that the new edition also takes into account the mental health needs of the public to include acupoint pressure methods for dealing with agitation and restlessness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a vast and profound science. The knowledge of acupoint therapy has long been recognized by traditional medicine. Stimulating acupuncture points has the effects of dredging qi and blood in the meridians, as well as strengthening the body. The World Health Organization has recommended the use of acupuncture for medical purposes since the early 1980s.

As a Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Chief Examiner of Hong Kong China Life Saving Society, Dr. Patrick Che-to YEUNG has since the 1980s been committed to promoting Acupressure in First Aid, using hands instead of acupuncture needles. In this way, lifeguards, medical staff and even the general public can practice simple and easy-to-use techniques to relieve the pain of injured patients in critical situations. Moreover, for many years, Dr. Yeung has delivered guest lectures on Acupressure in First Aid to the full-time bachelor and master students of the School of Chinese Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, allowing the students to further expand their horizons.

I would like to express my gratitude again to Dr. YEUNG and his colleagues of the Acupressure in First Aid Federation Hong Kong for their selfless dedication and steadfast efforts in promoting the application of Chinese medicine theory in first aid over the past 37 years.

Lin Zhixiu, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, School of Chinese Medicine
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
March 2024

1978: The associative application of acupuncture techniques to complement Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation was advocated initially by Dr. Patrick Che-to YEUNG in the 1st Asia Pacific Commonwealth Life Saving Conference in Hong Kong. Since acupuncture needles and moxa are not readily available and their application requires formal and vigorous training, the notion received little attention.

1978-80: Acupressure in First Aid (AFA), using fingers and heat instead of acupuncture needles and moxa, was devised by the Royal Life Saving Society - Hong Kong Branch (now Hong Kong China Life Saving Society) after thorough research and experiment involving medical experts from the East and West were conducted. The findings were first submitted and discussed in the International Federation of Swimming Teachers' Associations 2nd International Symposium in 1980.

1981-86: The certificate course in AFA, with its accompanied text Acupressure in First Aid were developed by Dr. YEUNG in consultation with local and mainland professional acupuncturists, including Prof JIN Rui from the Guangzhou College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Dr. Mabel, M.P. YANG, from the Department of Physiology, the University of Hong Kong.

1987: AFA was officially introduced to the general public. In December, a supportive article in the RLSS Commonwealth Contacts encouraged adoption and promotion of AFA in member countries within the British Commonwealth. RLSS HKB was invited to be the leader in promoting AFA.

1987-88: 28 courses of Certificate in AFA were delivered locally with 892 passes, comprising participants from all walks of life. Learners included civil servants from Hong Kong Fire Services Ambulance Division, Auxiliary Medical Service, Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Housing Department, Education Department and the Hong Kong Police Force. Those from social service organizations like Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, Hong Kong Swimming Teachers' Association, Hong Kong Life Guard Club and her affiliated clubs. The Lifesaving Association of Macau (Associaçao de Salvamento de Vices de Macau) was the first overseas participating organization.

In December 1988, a Hong Kong representative conducted a featured introduction on AFA in the 6th Asia Pacific Commonwealth Life Saving Conference held in Christchurch, New Zealand. As per host country request, a certificate course in AFA was conducted ad hoc for the participants, of which 42 were accredited, including the Chief Commonwealth Secretary and Medical Advisors of RLSS UK and RLSS Canada, the President and representatives of the Life Saving Society of Malaysia, technical officials and representatives from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad and Fiji.

1989-90: To cope with the expanding needs of training personnel RLSS HKB organized the¬ 1st AFA Seminar and AFA Teacher Certificate course on 15 Jan 1989. In November 1990, AFA was introduced in the 7th Asia Pacific Commonwealth Life Saving Conference held in Penang, Malaysia, with 30 participants certificated. AFA training has since been extended to Red Cross Units, St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Civil Aid Service and the Hong Kong Vietnamese Refugee Centre 1,883 Certificates in AFA were issued.

1991-92: In the RLSS Commonwealth Quinquennial Conference held in London, June 1991, AFA was introduced. Two months later, Hong Kong representatives were invited to present AFA Certificate courses to aquatics and lifesaving practitioners in Hangzhou, mainland China. Subsequently, in February 1992, local representatives were invited to give lectures on AFA and train up qualified AFA instructors and assessors in California. American organizations now offer Certificate courses in AFA on their own in the US. AFA was featured in the 8th Asia Pacific Commonwealth Life Saving Conference held in Singapore, with 51 participants awarded the certificate.

1993-94: In August 1993, RLSS HKB representatives visited Shanghai and taught AFA to swimming and lifesaving professionals. AFA was in the spotlight in the 9th Asia Pacific Commonwealth Life Saving Conference at the RLSS Australia 50th Anniversary Celebrations. In August 1994, RLSS HKB representatives visited swimming and lifesaving leaders in Beijing and delivered AFA certificate courses to the community. In the following month, Hong Kong delegates, including Dr. Mabel M. P. YANG & Dr. Patrick Che-to YEUNG, attended the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) Medical Commission Meeting held in Cardiff, Wales, making a presentation on the efficacy of AFA.

1995: In April, AFA teachers and assessors training were conducted in Taiwan. Hong Kong hosted the 10th Asia Pacific Regional Life Saving Conference featuring "Integrated First Aid of the East and West" as the main theme, in which the President of the ILS declared his support for AFA. There were 10,388 AFA Certificate holders in the territory in December 1995.

1996-97: In May 1996, the ILS selected AFA as a key paper in Rescue '96 organized in South Africa. Hong Kong delegates attended the RLSS Quinquennial Commonwealth Conference in June 1996. At the reception in Buckingham Palace Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II expressed her interest in AFA. In March 1997, the Hong Kong Life Saving Society (now Hong Kong China Life Saving Society) , categorized AFA under her Medical Commission and launched the 1st Advanced AFA Certificate course.

1998-99: AFA was further promoted by the Hong Kong Award for Young People (formerly the Duke of Edinburgh's Award) being enlisted as a recognized form of skill training for award points accumulation. 161 became certified AFA providers
under the award scheme.

2000: To accommodate the overwhelming demand of Advanced Certificate course in AFA, 6 courses were delivered with 109 passes. 31 Certificate courses in AFA were organized with 722 passes. An AFA Advanced Teacher Certificate course was also conducted.

2001: Hong Kong delegates attended the RLSS Quinquennial Commonwealth Conference in May and presented an AFA course to representatives from the Caribbean, Africa and Europe. The Duke of Gloucester showed interest in AFA during the reception at Buckingham Palace.

2002: In December, the Acupressure in First Aid Federation, Hong Kong (AFAFHK) was recognized as the 1st organization promoting first aid using meridians in Chinese Medicine. Dr. P.Y. Lam, JP, the Deputy Director of Health, Department of Health, HKSAR Government, acknowledged AFA and noted its therapeutic use.

2003: In the September ILS Asia Pacific Regional Conference held in Goa, India, a proposal on "Use of Precious Time Before Ambulance Arrival" was put forward. It amalgamated AFA, traditional emergency care and effective patient communication practice into a holistic approach. The notion received worldwide acknowledgement and was considered for adoption by participating
nations.

2004: In May, the inaugural course of Integrated First Aid was delivered. The course comprises synergetic operation of AFA, Western emergency care and effective communication with the casualty. Clinical application of the techniques was assessed. 88 persons were certificated in the first course.

2005:  In November, the HKLSS (now Hong Kong China Life Saving Society) Golden Jubilee Life Saving Conference was held with the theme “Emergency Response – East & West Meet” in which Heads of the Chinese Medicine Department of the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University supported AFA.

2008:    In January, Prince Michael of Kent visited the Hong Kong Life Saving Society (now Hong Kong China Life Saving Society) and praised the use of AFA during an official ceremony. In December, an AFA annual seminar was held with the School of Chinese Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

2009: In April, Dr. YEUNG was invited to present a paper on the “Efficacy of AFA in the Management of the Sick and Injured” to the local Lion Clubs and Boy Scouts in Auckland, New Zealand. In May, Dr. Yeung was in Philippines where he conducted a course on AFA to the President, officers and members of the Philippines Life Saving Society.

2010:  In September, AFA was one of the papers presented at the World Wide Water Safety Congress in Hague, Holland.

2011:  In May, Dr. YEUNG made a presentation on the “Management of Unconsciousness, Cardiac Irregularities and Pain thro’ Finger Pressure” to over 400 delegates coming from 50 countries, at the 2011 World Conference on Drowning Prevention, in Danang, Vietnam.