Jeonnam Fire Department Establishes Comprehensive Firefighting Measures for Heatwave Preparedness

Operation of 104 Heatwave Emergency Teams and Prioritizing Resident Safety Response

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Fire Department is implementing a 'Comprehensive Firefighting Activity Plan for Heatwave Preparedness' until September 30 to ensure the safety of residents.

The Jeonnam Fire Headquarters (Chief Ma Jaeyoon) announced on the 11th that this year, 104 ambulance teams and 816 paramedics have been designated as the 119 Heatwave Ambulance Team to actively respond.

This measure is to prioritize the safety of residents as this summer's temperatures are expected to be higher than last year, with heatwave days projected to be 20 to 25 days and tropical nights 12 to 17 days longer than average.

The number of heat-related illness patients in the Jeonnam region last year, as investigated by Jeonnam Fire Department, was 198.

Among them, 87.4% occurred during outdoor activities, mainly in rice paddies and fields (55 cases, 27.8%) and outdoor workplaces (45 cases, 22.7%).

Accordingly, the Jeonnam Fire Headquarters has equipped nine types of response equipment including ice vests, ice packs, saline solution, and injection sets, and strengthened the functions of the ambulance situation management center.

In case of suspected patients, medical guidance and information on emergency treatment will be provided until the ambulance arrives at the scene.

Additionally, operational guidelines for the 119 Safety Countermeasures Headquarters according to the heatwave response stages have been prepared, focusing on preventing heatwave damage to residents by supporting water supply to vulnerable groups and livestock farms, strengthening dispatch readiness for beehive removal, and operating the 119 Citizen Lifeguard Team.

Ma Jaeyoon, Chief of Jeonnam Fire Headquarters, said, “With the heatwave this summer and the habitual wearing of masks due to COVID-19, the risk of heat-related illnesses may increase. We will do our best to protect the safety of residents from the heat through the operation of the Heatwave Ambulance Team.”

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