Shift change from 3 teams 2 shifts to 4 teams 2 shifts for the heavy-duty ambulance unit
Rescue team restructured from 7 to 8 members dispatched system
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 25th that it has implemented a personnel reallocation, including adding additional rescue teams, to strengthen life-saving efforts at disaster sites.
The Fire and Disaster Headquarters decided to change the strenuous ambulance teams from a 3-shift 2-crew system to a 4-shift 2-crew system. To alleviate the workload of ambulance crew members, 15 strenuous ambulance teams were selected. The 4-shift 2-crew system reduces night shift hours and guarantees more rest time compared to the previous system, thereby reducing the workload per ambulance crew member and increasing the focus on ambulance services for citizens.
According to statistics from the National Fire Agency, Seoul’s ambulance dispatches average 3,334 cases per ambulance annually, about 1.7 times higher than the national average (1,994 cases). The population served per ambulance is 59,730, ranking first nationwide. The proportion of strenuous ambulance teams dispatching more than 11 times per day was 21.9% in 2019, four times the national average.
Additionally, to strengthen life-saving response capabilities at disaster sites, the rescue teams at 14 fire stations currently operating with 7-person dispatch systems were reorganized into 8-person dispatch systems. Since life searches at various accident sites are conducted in pairs, the 8-person dispatch system allows for up to four life search teams to be formed.
Furthermore, by analyzing ambulance dispatch counts and patient transport numbers by region, a 119 Ambulance Center will be established at Geumcheon Fire Station through efficient ambulance team reallocation. The 119 Ambulance Center, which operates ambulance teams separately, aims to meet the increased ambulance dispatch demand in the Geumcheon-gu area and provide high-quality ambulance services.
The Fire and Disaster Headquarters will also pilot a 3-shift 1-crew work system by selecting some dispatch teams after analyzing workload per dispatch team, surveying work system preferences, and gathering opinions from field personnel.
Choi Tae-young, head of the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "The work system reorganization is aimed at strengthening citizen-centered 119 services. We will continue to make every effort to protect citizens’ safety and lives through proactive personnel reallocation that aligns with the times."
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