Drunken 20s Male Assaulting Dispatched 119 Paramedics Sent to Prosecution

Gwangju Fire Headquarters Strictly Responds to Assault Cases Against Paramedics

The Gwangju Fire Department Special Judicial Police announced on the 9th that they have investigated and sent to the prosecution a drunken individual, Mr. A, on charges of assaulting a dispatched 119 paramedic (violation of the Fire Services Act, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million KRW).

Mr. A is accused of headbutting a 119 paramedic three times after responding to a report on April 12 of a "man collapsed" near a park walking trail, and also pushing another 119 paramedic to the ground.

Upon occurrence of the paramedic assault incident, the Gwangju Fire Department immediately took protective measures for the injured paramedics, provided psychological counseling, and is actively responding by having the Special Judicial Police conduct a direct investigation and send the case to the prosecution.

The Gwangju Metropolitan City Fire Safety Headquarters plans to respond strictly to perpetrators who commit violence against dispatched 119 paramedics, even if they are in a state of mental or physical disability.

Mental or physical disability refers to a state where the ability to discern objects or make decisions is impaired due to alcohol or drugs.

Kim Young-il, Director of the Protection and Prevention Division at the Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters, stated, “Assaulting paramedics not only causes personal harm but can also create gaps in emergency services essential to the public. We will respond strictly to ensure that acts of violence against paramedics are completely eradicated.”

Meanwhile, over the past three years, there have been 14 cases of paramedics assaulted in the Gwangju area. So far this year, three cases have occurred; two have been sent to prosecution, and one is under investigation.