Due to the Spread of COVID-19, 'Seoul119' Dispatches Surge... "Report Suspected Patients 1339 First"

119 Ambulance Dispatches Increase 20-Fold for Suspected Patient Reports
If Classified as General Patient, General Ambulance Dispatched
Report to 1339 First to Avoid Isolation Measures

Professional paramedics in action (Provided by Seoul Fire & Disaster Headquarters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 26th that the number of suspected and consultation reports related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has recently increased, causing a surge in 119 ambulance dispatches.

According to the headquarters, COVID-19 related consultation reports increased fourfold from 414 cases in the first week of February (1st?7th) to 1,668 cases in the third week (15th?21st). Dispatches of 119 ambulances for suspected patients rose from 14 cases in the first week to 84 cases in the second week, and further increased to 292 cases in the third week.

Since the infectious disease crisis alert was raised on January 27th, the headquarters has been operating an infectious disease transport support team. A total of 26 dedicated infectious disease 119 ambulance teams have been organized and are operating throughout Seoul. When a COVID-19 related report is received, the team also checks whether the transport subject has a fever or a history of overseas travel.

However, if detailed information about the transport subject is not provided at the time of the 119 call and the patient is classified as a general patient, a regular ambulance team is dispatched. If the patient is later classified as a suspected COVID-19 case during transport or hospital examination and undergoes specimen testing, the regular ambulance crew members are quarantined, raising concerns about gaps in emergency patient transport. As of 7 a.m. on the 25th, eight ambulance crew members are in quarantine.

Accordingly, the headquarters urged citizens to first call 1339 for consultation so that dedicated ambulance teams can transport patients showing suspected COVID-19 symptoms such as high fever or cough. Shin Yeol-woo, head of the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, "We ask for active cooperation from citizens to help end the infectious disease early and prevent gaps in the 119 ambulance service."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.