Blocking an Ambulance Can Result in Up to 5 Years Imprisonment or a Fine of 50 Million Won

Fire Agency's Jurisdiction Law Passed in Plenary Session... False Reports Fine Increased to 5 Million Won

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Following the incident in June where a taxi driver involved in a collision with an ambulance blocked its operation, resulting in the death of an emergency patient, from now on, anyone who obstructs an ambulance or interferes with patient transport will face up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won.

The Fire Agency announced on the 27th that on the 24th, the National Assembly plenary session passed partial amendments to the '119 Rescue and Ambulance Act,' 'Basic Firefighting Act,' and 'Hazardous Materials Safety Management Act,' which are scheduled to be promulgated in October.

The amendment first establishes grounds for punishment for obstructing ambulance transport. Previously, those who interfered with rescue and ambulance activities were punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won, but with this legal revision, acts obstructing the transport of ambulances, etc., are explicitly defined as interference with rescue and ambulance activities, allowing for punishment at the same level.

The maximum fine for falsely reporting emergencies to firefighting agencies or related administrative bodies has been raised from 2 million won to 5 million won. In 2018 alone, the Fire Agency transported 32,123 non-emergency patients, among whom more than 7,000 were habitual non-emergency users who reported more than 12 times annually due to reasons such as intoxication or outpatient treatment.

The fine for falsely reporting fire or situations requiring rescue and ambulance services has also been increased from 2 million won to 5 million won.

Additionally, starting early next year, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and medical institutions must immediately notify the Fire Agency chief, etc., upon recognizing infectious disease patients, suspected infectious disease patients, pathogen carriers, or suspected infectious disease cases. Since 119 ambulance personnel perform transport duties not only for infectious disease patients but also for suspected cases, suspected infectious disease cases have been added to the notification scope to ensure the safety of ambulance personnel and to prevent secondary infections early.

The Hazardous Materials Safety Management Act has also been amended. Previously, hazardous material manufacturing sites that were closed or suspended for a long period managed safety internally, but from now on, if storage or handling of hazardous materials is suspended for more than 3 months, safety measures must be taken and reported to the city or provincial governor.

A Fire Agency official stated, "We plan to complete follow-up procedures such as revising enforcement ordinances within this year to ensure proper implementation of the law," adding, "We will also strive to pass 32 other bills pending in the Public Administration and Security Committee, including prohibiting insults to rescue and ambulance personnel and expanding the scope of compensation under fire liability insurance."

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