Gwangju City Councilor Song Hyeong-il Proposes 'Firefighter Mental Health Promotion Act' as Lead Sponsor

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Song Hyung-il, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Hwajeong 3·4-dong, Pungam-dong), announced on the 22nd that the "Firefighter Mental Health Promotion Ordinance" passed the review by the City Council's Administrative and Autonomy Committee.

The ordinance includes provisions requiring the mayor to conduct an annual survey on the mental health status of firefighters and, based on this, to establish a mental health promotion plan for firefighters.

It also mandates the establishment of a cooperative system with related medical institutions to promote the mental health of firefighters.

Councilor Song stated, "Due to the nature of their duties, firefighters are often exposed to traumatic scenes, leading to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but until now, there have been many shortcomings in systematically managing and actively treating these issues. This ordinance was proposed as a measure to improve this situation."

Councilor Song added, "Going forward, by more actively managing and treating firefighters' post-traumatic stress disorder, it is expected to serve as an opportunity not only to prioritize protecting firefighters' health but also to dedicate efforts to safeguarding citizens' safety."