Fire Commissioner Shin Yeol-woo Holds Video Call with Paramedic Experiencing Vaccine Side Effects... Comfort and Encouragement

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Shin Yeol-woo, Commissioner of the National Fire Agency, comforted and encouraged a paramedic from the Naju Fire Station in Jeonnam, who was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination and is currently hospitalized at Hospital A in Gwangju, through a video call.

According to the National Fire Agency on the 26th, Commissioner Shin had planned to visit Gwangju in person to meet the paramedic that afternoon, but the hospital restricted external visitors to prevent COVID-19 infection, so the meeting was replaced with a video call.

During the approximately 15-minute call, they discussed the current symptoms, improvement status, and difficulties in the treatment process that has been ongoing for over two months. Commissioner Shin spoke about the National Fire Agency’s specific support plans and urged the paramedic to focus on treatment above all else.

Since the paramedic’s illness was not recognized as causally related to the vaccination, the National Fire Agency plans to support the verification process, including the preparation of an epidemiological report, so that it can be acknowledged as a work-related injury. They are also reviewing plans to provide medical expense support through group insurance and condolence payments from the Korea Firefighters Mutual Aid Association.

Meanwhile, under the Commissioner’s special management directive for employees experiencing adverse reactions after COVID-19 vaccination, the National Fire Agency is operating a dedicated team and plans to provide systematic management and practical support until all firefighters complete their vaccinations safely, including the second dose.

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