The Masan Fire Station in Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam Province, has announced a strong response to the ongoing incidents of verbal abuse and assault against 119 paramedics.
On March 29 at around 11:30 p.m., the Masan Fire Station dispatched an ambulance to Jinbuk-myeon, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, after receiving a report that a man in his 30s, identified as Mr. A, had sustained a hand injury (laceration).
According to the fire station, while the paramedics were moving Mr. A to the ambulance after providing first aid at the scene, he, who was intoxicated, assaulted a paramedic by striking the left cheekbone and orbital area of the paramedic's face with his left fist for no apparent reason.
The assaulted paramedic is currently experiencing headaches and tenderness around the eye. As a result, the Masan Fire Station, adhering to a zero-tolerance policy, referred the case to the prosecution on the 11th with a recommendation for indictment following a direct investigation by the Special Judicial Police for Fire Services.
Chief Lee Gilha stated, "Violence against paramedics not only causes personal harm to the paramedics but can also lead to gaps in essential emergency services for citizens. We will respond strictly to ensure that such acts of violence against paramedics are completely eradicated."
Meanwhile, according to Article 28 (Penalties) of the Act on 119 Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, anyone who assaults or threatens a firefighter engaged in rescue or emergency activities, thereby interfering with such activities, may be sentenced to up to five years in prison or fined up to 50 million won.
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