As heat-related illnesses continue to occur one after another due to the heatwave in the Jeju area, the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters (Chief Go Min-ja) has strengthened its heat-related illness response system and launched thorough emergency medical response efforts.
Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters has strengthened the response system for heat-related illnesses and launched a thorough emergency medical response. [Photo by Jeju Fire]
According to the Jeju Fire Headquarters on the 9th, a total of 20 suspected heat-related illness reports were received at the 119 emergency call center this year, and emergency medical teams provided first aid. The day before, an elderly woman in her 80s who collapsed while complaining of dizziness on her way home was transported to the hospital.
Over the past three years, there have been 256 heat-related illness cases in the province, occurring steadily every year. Last year, 69 patients were transported or treated through 119 emergency activities related to the heatwave, and 36 medical consultations were recorded.
The Jeju Fire Headquarters has established a 119 emergency medical team dispatch system in preparation for heat-related illness cases and operates a field-based Heatwave 119 Emergency Medical Team. The 119 Comprehensive Situation Room Emergency Medical Situation Management Center also plans to significantly strengthen medical support for residents related to the heatwave.
All 32 ambulances in the province are permanently equipped with nine types of heatwave illness emergency equipment, including ice vests, ice packs, purified salt, and saline solution. In the absence of a local ambulance, 28 pump ambulances equipped with heatwave equipment will be dispatched immediately as a proactive response.
Additionally, the 119 Comprehensive Situation Room Emergency Medical Situation Management Center will enhance medical support for residents by providing heatwave-related medical consultations and first aid guidance, and will promptly transport patients by managing real-time status of hospitals capable of treating heat-related illnesses.
Furthermore, patrols will be conducted to prevent heatwave damage when special weather reports are issued, and promotion of heat-related illness prevention guidelines will be strengthened.
Meanwhile, to prevent heat-related illnesses among field activity personnel, training hours are adjusted and preparedness supplies are provided when heatwave special reports are issued, ensuring thorough safety management of firefighting officials.
Chief Go Min-ja stated, “As the unprecedented heatwave continues day after day, we will respond to heat-related illness cases with strengthened measures,” and added, “If you experience headaches, convulsions, or loss of consciousness after exposure to extreme heat, please report immediately to 119.”
Jeju = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Jeong-pil baekok@asiae.co.kr
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