Press Releases
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On Sunday, December 3rd, 2024, Just before 11:00 a.m., Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 23-year old surfer who went unresponsive while surfing Pipeline. Lifeguards immediately recognized the surfer in distress after he appeared to have hit his head on the reef. With the help of fellow surfers, lifeguards rescued the surfer, keeping him afloat and bringing him […]
On Tuesday, November 24th, Honolulu Ocean Safety made 19 rescues on O'ahu's north shore. The majority of the rescue involved surfers who needed assistance out of the large surf at Waimea Bay. Lifeguards also made roughly 3,400 preventative actions, ensuring people didn't get into trouble, across north shore beaches and shorelines. Honolulu Ocean Safety put an additional jet […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety Responds to Downed HelicopterOctober 28, 2023
On Saturday, October 28th, just after 10:00 a.m., Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a report of a downed helicopter. Lifeguards via jet ski found the aircraft with three uninjured people on a small island off of the Ke'ehi Boat Harbor. Lifeguards via jet ski brought two adults to an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) boat, which brought […]
Honolulu EMS, Ocean Safety Responds to Surfer Bitten By SharkOctober 25, 2023
On October 25th, the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 30-year old surfer who suffered an apparent shark bite to his leg. The 911 call came in just after 3:00 p.m., at a spot called Pua'ena Point. Surfers assisted the man to shore, placing a tourniquet on the his right leg. […]
HESD Responds To Surfer With Shark BiteOctober 25, 2023
On Wednesday, October 25th, the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 30-year old male who suffered an apparent shark bite to his leg. The 911 call came in just after 3:00 p.m., at a spot called Pua'ena Point. Surfers assisted the man to shore, placing a tourniquet on the man’s right […]
Survivor Reunion Stories
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and Honolulu Ocean Safety have played a vital role in countless survivor stories throughout their rich histories. Read some of the heartwarming survivor stories that have been documented over the years.
Read the StoriesMedia Coverage
Read some of the latest news stories published by our media partners.
Honolulu Ocean Safety On Patrol During North Shore's Winter 2023
Hawaii News Now's Lynn Kawano and Photographer Peter Tang follow along with the lifeguards on the north shore.
watch the HNN storyHonolulu Ocean Safety, Honolulu EMS Reunite With Surfer Who Nearly Drowned at Pipeline
Hawaii News Now was there when 25-year old Austin Gibbons and his mother thanked the heroes who helped to save his life.
watch the HNN storyNational Telecommunications Week 2023: What to know before you need to call 911.
KHON interviews Ocean Safety dispatcher to learn how to be prepared when calling 911 for an ocean emergency.
Read the khon storyIolani School Teacher Saves Life Of Elderly Choking Victim
Honolulu EMS talks to HNN about the importance of knowing life-saving measures and thanks the Good Samaritan for stepping in to help.
Read the hawaii news now storyHawaii sees dramatic increase in fentanyl-related overdoses reported in September
The deadly drug fentanyl has surfaced in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now talks to EMS about what crews are seeing on the road.
Read the hawaii news now storyPreliminary Investigations Find Oxygen Connection Started Ambulance Fire
Separate investigations conducted on the fire that erupted in an EMS ambulance in August 2022, found it sparked when the main oxygen link was connected to a portable oxygen tank.
Read the Story on civil beatHESD Director Gives Update On The EMS Ambulance Fire
Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Jim Ireland gives an update on the tragic ambulance fire, that left a patient dead and an EMS paramedic critically injured.
Read the update on the EMS ambulance fireScores of Ocean Rescues Made on Oʻahu’s South Shore During ‘Historic’ South Swell
Warnings about a “historic” south swell with waves approaching 20 feet and dangerous rip currents predictably did little to keep surfers out of the water Saturday, leaving Honolulu Ocean Safety personnel to handle the consequences.
Read About the historic swellOcean Safety Crews Report a Busy Day in Oʻahu’s Waters
Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards made a number of rescues today around Oʻahu of people in the ocean who found themselves in trouble.
Read about the rescuesAt 10, He’s Credited With Saving His Mom’s Life. All in a Day’s Work for This ‘Junior Paramedic’
Cody Agnell helped save his mom's life with his quick thinking and call to 911.
Read Cody's storyVideos
Watch some of our featured videos.
KITV4 Rides With Honolulu EMS During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Highlighting Heroes
Honolulu Ocean Safety Keeping the South Shore Safe
Hawaiʻi News Now Follows EMS Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
Honolulu EMS: Coronavirus Crusade