Jeju Fire Headquarters Issues 'Safety Accident Warning During Haenyeo Diving Operations' on the 18th

[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters (Chief Park Geun-oh) issued a safety accident advisory on the 18th, urging special caution as safety accidents involving haenyeo, including cardiac arrest incidents during diving operations, have been steadily occurring recently.

According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters on the 17th, the status of safety accidents involving Jeju haenyeo over the past three years totaled 53 cases, with cardiac arrest incidents being the most frequent at 22 cases (41.5%), followed by falls at 11 cases (20.8%), and dizziness/fainting at 8 cases (15.1%).

By age group, there were 24 cases (45.3%) in their 70s, 15 cases (28.3%) in their 80s, and 8 cases (15.1%) in their 60s, showing a high accident rate of 73.6% for those aged 70 and above.

On the 25th of last month, a haenyeo in her 70s died of cardiac arrest while diving off Namwon Keuneong in Seogwipo City. Given that the proportion of haenyeo aged 70 and above is high (62.4%), greater caution regarding safety accidents is required.

The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters plans to raise the response level by issuing an early safety accident advisory during haenyeo diving operations, strengthening cooperation with related organizations, and establishing a dispatch readiness system, as the occurrence rate of haenyeo safety accidents is high in the first half of the year (60.3%).

To emphasize the importance of initial emergency treatment before the arrival of the 119 ambulance team and to improve the early CPR skills of fishermen, they plan to promote on-site emergency treatment education in collaboration with volunteer fire brigade professional instructors.

In July last year, a haenyeo in her 60s suddenly collapsed after finishing diving off the coast of Gimnyeong, Jeju City. The Gimnyeong Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief (secretary of the fishing village association) and haenyeo on site performed CPR together, saving a precious life and receiving a Heart Saver award.

A Fire Safety Headquarters official said, “Do not dive alone but with colleagues to check each other's safety,” and urged, “Please follow safety rules such as wearing safety gear and warming up properly during diving operations.”

Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Jeongpil panax33@asiae.co.kr

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