Era of Ordeals for 119 Ambulance Personnel... Assaulted with Fists and Feet

47 Assaults on Ambulance Personnel in Busan Over the Past 3 Years
91% of Perpetrators Were Under the Influence of Alcohol

Incidents of 119 ambulance personnel being assaulted by those they are trying to assist continue to occur without end.

According to the Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters on August 9, there have been a series of cases in which 119 ambulance personnel, who are on the front lines protecting people's lives, have been assaulted. From 2022 to 2024, there were a total of 47 cases of ambulance personnel being assaulted in the Busan area. Among these, 91% of the perpetrators were under the influence of alcohol. Some of the perpetrators received fines (6 cases) or prison sentences (2 cases), and 27 cases are currently under trial.

119 Ambulance Vehicle

If a person assaults or threatens ambulance personnel, they may face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won, in accordance with the Framework Act on Fire Services and the Act on 119 Rescue and Emergency Services. Specific acts of interference include: obstructing fire suppression or rescue operations by the fire brigade using force; intentionally hindering the fire brigade from entering or operating at the scene for fire suppression, rescue, or emergency activities; assaulting or threatening dispatched fire personnel to interfere with their duties; and damaging or impairing the effectiveness of fire equipment.

The fire authorities explained that assaults on ambulance personnel can result not only in physical harm, but also in missing the 'golden time' for patient rescue and treatment. An official from the Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters stated, "Assaults on ambulance personnel are not merely individual issues, but a threat to the emergency medical system that the entire society must guard against," adding, "It is urgent to establish measures for a safe and violence-free environment, such as strengthening the investigative functions of special judicial police within the fire department."