News and Updates

Keep up with the latest news from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

Press Releases

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Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued two people from the water off the backside of the Mokulua Islands. The call came in at 5:53 p.m. for a female, who was in extreme distress hanging onto a makeshift floatation device. The woman was attempting to kayak back to shore from the island in high winds when her kayak tipped over. A man, […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued three divers today about 500 yards off shore near Alligator Rock on the north shore. The three male divers called 911 just before 12:30 p.m., when the motor on their 10-foot Livingston boat malfunctioned. Ocean Safety lifeguards responded via jet ski and towed the boat with the divers onboard to shore safely. No injuries were reported.
Just after 4:00 p.m. today, Honolulu Ocean Safety along with the Honolulu Fire Department and the Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Waterfront Operations, responded to a sailboat in distress off of Windward O'ahu. The boat, described to be a 25-foot vessel, with four people onboard was first said to be in trouble near the Mokulua Islands but quickly moved towards the Marine Corps Base Hawai'i. Lifeguards made contact with the boat […]
HONOLULU — A promotion ceremony Wednesday at Paki Hale near Kapi`olani Park was significant for two reasons for the city’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division.  The promotion of four new Lieutenants ,who will serve as mobile responders, marks the completion of the first phase of growth in the division toward “extended hours” coverage on […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 33-year old stand-up paddler surfing Monday morning, who suffered a head injury at Pipeline. The surfer hit his head on the reef after taking off on a wave as part of an organized event. The event's private lifeguards, Hawaiian Water Patrol, brought the man to shore where Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards administered […]
Family posing with rescuers

Survivor Reunion Stories

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services has played a vital role in countless survivor stories throughout its rich history. Read some of the heartwarming survivor stories that have been documented over the years.
Read the Stories

Media Coverage

Read some of the latest news stories published by our media partners.

Iolani 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 story

Hawaii 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 story

Preliminary 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 beat

HESD 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 fire

At 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 story

Videos

Watch some of our featured videos.

KITV4 Rides With Honolulu EMS During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Highlighting Heroes

Hawaiʻi News Now Follows EMS Through the Coronavirus Pandemic

Honolulu EMS: Coronavirus Crusade

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