This Year, 2,970 Heat-Related Illness Patients Prompt 119 Ambulance Dispatches... Highest in 10 Years

Assemblyman Mok Gyeong-jong "We Must Start Discussing Climate Disasters"

This year, reports to the 119 emergency medical service due to heat-related illnesses have reached the highest level in 10 years.

Mo Kyung-jong, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Photo by Mo Kyung-jong]

According to Mo Gyeong-jong, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, from May 20 to September 23, the 119 emergency medical service responded to and treated 2,970 heat-related illness cases. This figure is more than six times higher than in 2015 (465 cases).

By region, Gyeonggi had the highest number with 527 cases (17.7%), followed by Seoul with 330 cases (11.1%), and Jeonnam with 301 cases (10.1%).

Representative Mo stated, "This is a reality where human casualties due to the climate crisis are increasing," and added, "The government must begin discussions related to climate disasters alongside natural and social disasters."