Daejeon Introduces 'Automatic Reporting' System to Eradicate Threats and Assaults on Paramedics

The photo is unrelated to the article. Source=Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Daejeon Fire Headquarters is introducing and operating an automatic reporting system to eradicate assault incidents against 119 paramedics.

According to the Daejeon Fire Headquarters on the 5th, this system operates by issuing a warning broadcast when a 119 paramedic is at risk of being assaulted, and if the danger escalates, the location of the 119 ambulance is automatically reported to the 112 control center.

The Daejeon Fire Headquarters has already installed this system on two 119 ambulances operating in the area and plans to install it on one more ambulance by next month, aiming to introduce the ‘Paramedic Assault Prevention Reporting System’ on a total of nine ambulances within the year.

The introduction of the assault prevention reporting system is being promoted to prevent frequent assault incidents against 119 paramedics in the region in advance.

In Daejeon, a total of 33 assault cases against 119 paramedics have occurred over the past five years, with 79% of these cases involving intoxicated individuals.

To prevent such acts, the ‘Act on Rescue and Emergency Medical Services’ stipulates that obstructing the legitimate emergency activities of paramedics can result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

Additionally, even if physical violence is not used, verbal abuse or threats against paramedics can also be punishable.

Furthermore, the Daejeon Fire Headquarters emphasizes that related laws are currently being revised, focusing on the establishment of a new insult offense and strengthening punishment standards for assault.

A representative from the Daejeon Fire Headquarters stated, “Assaults against 119 paramedics are ‘serious crimes,’ and it is important to prevent and respond to them. Also, if such serious criminal acts occur, we will do our best to ensure a safe emergency environment and protect citizens’ lives through strict law enforcement.”