Firefighting Helicopters Dispatched 6,493 Times Last Year, Rescuing 2,239 People

14.6% Increase in Dispatches Compared to the Previous Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The National Fire Agency announced on the 19th that last year, fire helicopters were dispatched 6,493 times, successfully rescuing and transporting 2,239 people (34.5% of dispatches), including hikers and emergency patients. The number of fire helicopter dispatches increased by 14.6% from 5,667 times the previous year, and the number of people rescued also increased by 2.2%.

The proportion by dispatch type was ▲rescue and emergency dispatch 40.2% (2,610 cases) ▲education and training 31.2% (2,026 cases) ▲maintenance testing 13.4% (873 cases) ▲wildfire suppression 12.3% (799 cases) ▲fire dispatch 1.9% (124 cases) ▲patrol, etc. 1% (61 cases).

Rescue and emergency dispatches, which accounted for 40.2% of total dispatches last year, transported 2,239 people out of 2,610 cases. On average, one fire helicopter was dispatched 84 times per year, transporting 72 people, which translates to 7 dispatches and 6 transports per day. Rescue and emergency dispatches were most frequent in ▲October 12.9% (337 times) ▲September 10.3% (269 times) ▲May 10.2% (266 times), increasing during seasons with many outdoor activities such as hiking and traveling.

Wildfire suppression dispatches accounted for 799 cases, or 12.3% of total dispatches, showing a 381% increase compared to 166 cases last year. This was largely due to the massive wildfires that occurred along the East Coast in Uljin, Samcheok, and Gangneung from February to April last year. Monthly distribution was ▲March 36.2% (289 times) ▲April 17.5% (142 times) ▲February 14.9% (119 times), with 68.8% of total dispatches occurring between February and April.

Additionally, the increase in dispatch frequency (14.6%) and flight hours (30.2%) last year is believed to be influenced by the National Fire Agency 119 Aviation Operation Control Center’s active deployment of helicopters for urgent disaster incidents such as wildfires and rescue/emergency cases to minimize damage.

Despite the recent cold wave, mountain rescue helicopter dispatches continue to occur. In January alone this year, there were incidents such as a fall accident on Joryeongsan in Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk (7th), a distress incident on Jangryeongsan in Okcheon, Chungbuk (24th), a distress incident on Bongboksan in Hoengseong, Gangwon (25th), and an injury during photography on Taebaeksan in Gangwon (25th).

During winter hiking, slips and falls are common due to snow and ice. Especially in winter, even minor accidents can cause serious injuries, so it is necessary to wear hiking boots and crampons to prevent slipping, and prepare items such as a flashlight for distress signals, a vinyl tent and hot packs for protection against cold, and extra phone batteries in case of emergencies.

Baek Deok-gon, Director of the Equipment Technology Bureau at the National Fire Agency, urged, “For safe winter hiking, please bring cold-weather gear and be careful to avoid accidents,” adding, “The National Fire Agency will continue to actively deploy fire helicopters at disaster sites such as rescue, emergency, and wildfires to protect the lives and property of the public.”