<기사>Fire Agency Conducts Fire Safety Inspection at Vaccine Regional Vaccination Centers... Ambulance Crew and Ambulance Deployment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The National Fire Agency announced on the 30th that it conducted an emergency fire safety inspection of 90 regional vaccination centers nationwide by the 29th in preparation for COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public, including seniors aged 75 and older, starting from the 1st of next month, and that any deficiencies must be corrected before the centers open.

At the central (1 center) and regional vaccination centers (3 centers), four paramedics (nurses) each were assigned as vaccination staff, while at the provincial (18 centers) and city/county/district vaccination centers (27 centers), two staff members each were assigned. All vaccination centers will also have ambulances stationed to establish an emergency transport system for patients experiencing adverse reactions.

Starting in April, as the number of vaccinations is expected to increase significantly compared to the first quarter, the agency has prepared response manuals for various adverse reactions in anticipation of a sharp rise in reports of adverse reactions to 119 emergency services. The manuals include self-care methods for mild symptoms and guidelines for identifying symptoms that require immediate medical consultation. Depending on the symptoms of adverse reactions, medical consultations or ambulance dispatches will be arranged accordingly.

Additionally, to ensure rapid response for severe adverse reaction patients, including elderly residents in island regions, the agency will strengthen not only fire helicopter transport but also the inter-ministerial* joint emergency medical helicopter transport system operated by the National Fire Agency.

Meanwhile, from February 26, when vaccinations began, to March 29, over the course of about a month, a total of 610 patients with adverse reactions were given emergency treatment and transported to medical institutions. Among the 11,718 119 paramedics performing emergency activities, excluding those who postponed vaccination due to pregnancy or illness, 96.3% have completed their first dose.

Shin Yeol-woo, Commissioner of the National Fire Agency, stated, "The fire service will do its utmost on the front lines, including patient transport, until the entire nation returns to normal life from COVID-19."

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