Fire Agency Strengthens Rescue and Emergency Dispatch Readiness for Heavy Rain and Heatwaves

Strengthening Surveillance in Mountainous and Steep Slope Areas Prone to Casualties Due to Heavy Rain
Enhancing Emergency Response Readiness for Sudden Increase in Heat-Related Illnesses

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the monsoon season has fully begun, the National Fire Agency announced on the 29th that it will strengthen its rescue and emergency dispatch readiness in response to the alternating heatwaves and heavy rains caused by unstable atmospheric conditions in different regions.

The National Fire Agency plans to enhance surveillance activities in areas prone to casualties such as mountainous and steep slopes, where the ground has been weakened by last week's rainfall. Special attention will be paid to safety accidents during vulnerable times at night and dawn, and a close cooperation system with local governments and related organizations will be established to prepare for safety accidents. In some areas, the tropical night phenomenon continues, and emergency dispatch readiness will also be strengthened in anticipation of a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses due to the heatwave.

Analysis of 119 emergency medical service dispatches related to heatwaves over the past two years shows that the number of heat-related patients in 2020 sharply increased from mid-August, when the unusually long monsoon ended and the heatwave began in earnest. Last year, the peak was concentrated between mid-July and early August, when heatwave warnings were most frequent.

Accordingly, to minimize casualties caused by heatwaves, the National Fire Agency has equipped all 1,579 nationwide 119 ambulances with nine types of heatwave response emergency equipment, including saline solution and iced vests, and is inspecting ambulance air conditioning systems. Special training for paramedics is also being conducted to prepare for the occurrence of heat-related illnesses due to the heatwave.

Meanwhile, the National Fire Agency urged that to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke caused by heatwaves, people should frequently hydrate, refrain from outdoor activities such as farming during daytime, and if going outside is unavoidable, wear light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and always carry a water bottle.

Lee Il, Director of the 119 Response Bureau at the National Fire Agency, said, “We will strengthen surveillance activities in advance to prevent casualties and property damage caused by heavy rain and make thorough preparations for safety accidents.” He added, “In areas expected to experience heatwaves, please follow the national heatwave response guidelines, such as refraining from outdoor activities during the daytime.”