Deployment of 'Multipurpose Large Firefighting Helicopter' for Patient Transport and Fire Suppression in Honam Region

Fire Agency, Increased Speed in Rescue Operations at Various Accident and Disaster Sites

Firefighting Helicopter H-255.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The National Fire Agency announced on the 30th that it has deployed a multipurpose firefighting helicopter capable of responding more swiftly not only to emergency patient transport during nighttime, mountain rescues, and island areas but also to fire suppression such as wildfires, to the Honam 119 Special Rescue Team at the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do.

The National Fire Agency held a safety flight pledge event on the same day and began operating this firefighting helicopter.

The newly deployed firefighting helicopter is the H-225 model from the French company Airbus, with an investment of 46 billion KRW. It can carry up to 28 passengers, has a maximum flight range of 841 km, and a flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, enabling long-distance and nighttime operations.

The firefighting aviation team operating the helicopter consists of 15 members, including pilots, mechanics, and rescue and emergency medical personnel, and is equipped with a hangar, helicopter landing and takeoff pads, and offices.

To enhance flight safety, the helicopter is equipped with seven safety devices including a Traffic Collision Avoidance System, FLOAT (emergency flotation device), ADELT (emergency location indicating radio beacon), digital electronic maps, monitors, and condition monitoring devices. For safe operation, the team underwent five months of training including mission proficiency flights, 100 hours of maintenance, and joint inspections.

Lee Sang-gyu, head of the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters, said, "With the deployment of a large firefighting helicopter in the Honam region, which has many islands and a long coastline, we can respond quickly to various accidents and disasters. We will do our best to protect the safety and property of the people."

Nationwide, a total of 30 firefighting helicopters (4 central and 26 local), including 2 leased helicopters, are in operation. Deployment has been completed in three zones?capital area, Yeongnam, and Honam?at the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters, and in July, a firefighting helicopter will be deployed to the Chungcheong and Gangwon 119 Special Rescue Teams (Chungju, Chungbuk).

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