Gwangju Fire Department Dispatches Disaster Response Training Team to Paraguay

Sharing Techniques for Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Response

Last year's training materials for paramedics during the visit of the Paraguayan fire department to Gwangju. Provided by Gwangju City

The Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters announced on June 26 that it will conduct a training program in Asuncion, Paraguay, from June 27 to July 5 for approximately 50 members of the Paraguayan Volunteer Fire Department. The program aims to strengthen their disaster response and emergency medical service capabilities.

The training team, consisting of six members and led by the head of the Gwangju Fire Department's Budget and Equipment Division, will provide practical, field-oriented education. They will share techniques for responding to fire, rescue, and emergency scenes, and will hold discussions on firefighting tactics between the two organizations.

This initiative is part of an international training project jointly operated by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the International Fire Safety Exchange Association. It has been running for three years since 2023. Last year, 18 Paraguayan firefighters were invited to Gwangju Fire Academy for a two-week training program.

Since 2018, the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters has been providing used fire vehicles and equipment, which have completed their service in Korea, to developing countries including Paraguay. Through these efforts, the organization is promoting the excellence of Korean firefighting equipment and expanding international fire safety exchanges.

Cho Hyukhwan, head of the Budget and Equipment Division at the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters, stated, "This training program will serve as an opportunity to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the fire agencies of both countries." He added, "We will do our best to ensure the successful completion of the KOICA global training project."