News and Updates

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

Press Releases

Click on a title to view each press release.

On April 16th, Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued a 42-year old woman from the surf at Three Tables. The 911 call came in just around 12:20 p.m. for the visitor who was struggling to stay afloat on a boogie board.  An Ocean Safety Lieutenant responded and swam out to the woman. He secured her and brought […]
On April 16th, 2024, Honolulu Ocean Safety, the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to four adult male swimmers who jumped off of Spitting Caves and were unable to get out on their own. The 911 call came in at 11:23 a.m. for the men who were struggling in the surf. A […]
On Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to two separate incidents involving swimmers in distress. The first incident was at 1:45 p.m. near the Mokulua Islands in Kailua, where one swimmer was reported to be in distress. After a thorough search of the area it was determined that no individuals were in need of assistance.  The second […]
On Sunday, March 17th, 2024, Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued a father and his teenaged son who were caught in the surf at Ke Iki Beach. The 911 call came in just before 2:30 p.m. Lifeguards swam and paddled out to them with rescue tubes and brought the two beyond the crashing surf and kept them […]
On Monday, March 11th, 2024, Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued four people following two separate 911 calls, both in the area known as Freddyland on the north shore. The first 911 call came in at 12:20 p.m. for two female surfers, in their 20s, who were witnessed to be struggling 200 yards offshore. Lifeguards via jet ski, all-terrain vehicle and truck responded. […]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
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

chevron-down