Mokpo Coast Guard Transports 422 Emergency Patients from Island Villages Last Year

61% of Transports Involved Elderly Patients with Illnesses
Special Caution Needed for Accidents Among Those in Their 50s and 60s

Mokpo Coast Guard announced on January 13 that over the past year, it had swiftly transported a total of 422 emergency patients from island areas and maritime locations within its jurisdiction to the mainland, fulfilling its vital role as a guardian of the people's precious lives.

According to last year's emergency patient transport statistics analyzed by the Mokpo Coast Guard, out of the total 422 patients transported, 258 (61.1%) were due to illness, making this the largest category, followed by 152 (36%) who were accident (trauma) patients. This demonstrates that in island regions with limited medical infrastructure, the Coast Guard effectively serves as the backbone of the "maritime ambulance" system.

In particular, the analysis revealed that the causes for transport varied significantly depending on the patient's age group, indicating the need for tailored safety management.

Among seniors aged 70 and above, about 42% of all transports, over 70% were due to urgent illnesses such as stroke or cardiovascular disease. In contrast, for those in their 50s and 60s, who are actively engaged in social and economic activities, the proportion of accident (trauma) cases was similar to or even higher than that of illness, highlighting the need for special attention to safety during work or other activities.

Additionally, the Mokpo Coast Guard demonstrated seamless maritime rescue capabilities by safely transporting 23 critically ill patients using patrol vessels even when private vessels were grounded due to severe weather conditions, such as when a high seas warning was in effect.

A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, "This statistical analysis reaffirms that the Coast Guard plays a pivotal role in ensuring the medical safety net for island residents," adding, "We will continue to maintain a robust 24-hour rapid response posture so that residents of island villages, who are in medical blind spots, can feel secure as they go about their livelihoods."

Meanwhile, the Mokpo Coast Guard plans to strengthen the promotion of maritime safety rules to prevent accidents and will continue to provide remote emergency medical system training, taking into account the high proportion of elderly patients in island areas.