Disaster Response Speeds Up... On-Site Commanders Can Immediately Issue Up to 'Level 3' Alerts

Fire Agency Announces '2024 Key Tasks' Including On-Site Response System Overhaul
Skipping Steps 1-2, Immediate Activation of Step 3... Promoting Rapid Initial Suppression
Significant Expansion of Support for Fallen Officers and Bereaved Families... Diversifying Livelihood Independence Plans

From now on, in the event of a disaster, the on-site commander will be able to immediately issue the highest response level, Level 3, based on their judgment. This measure is to enable prompt response from the early stages of a disaster. In particular, the scope of emergency treatment by 119 paramedics, which previously applied only to certain special rescue teams, will be expanded to all ambulance teams.

On the 7th, the National Fire Agency announced the '2024 Work Plan' centered on these points, stating that it will focus on promoting four major strategies: ▲ Establishing a rapid and accurate on-site response system ▲ Proactive safety management centered on prevention ▲ Establishing a thorough disaster preparedness posture ▲ Realizing a confident and trusted organization.

First, the authority of commanders at disaster sites has been adjusted. Until now, Levels 1 to 3 were issued sequentially, but now, based on the on-site commander's judgment, Level 3 can be issued immediately, skipping Levels 1 and 2. Typically, Level 3 is issued in the event of a very large disaster that mobilizes all firefighting forces of the local government fire headquarters. In some cases, firefighting forces from neighboring local governments are also mobilized.

Additionally, a certification system for fire station chiefs, who serve as heads of emergency rescue control teams, will be fully implemented, and the Command Capability Enhancement Center will be expanded. This is a measure to strengthen practical emergency rescue training and emergency rescue education for related agencies.

The 'National Integrated Dispatch System for Firefighting Helicopters,' which dispatches the nearest and most optimal helicopter regardless of provincial boundaries, will also be fully implemented. Along with this, the emergency vehicle priority signal system will be built as a metropolitan system that operates beyond city and county boundaries, and emergency vehicle-exclusive license plates that automatically open apartment complex gates will be applied to all fire vehicles.

System reforms to increase the survival rate of emergency patients will also be carried out. Nationwide implementation of pre-hospital emergency patient classification (Pre-KTAS) and expansion of the scope of emergency treatment by 119 paramedics, which previously applied only to certain special rescue teams, will be fully introduced to all ambulance teams from the second half of the year. The pilot area for the 'Doctor-Boarded Firefighting Helicopter (119Heli-EMS),' which dispatches with medical staff after passing through a hospital, will be expanded from some areas in the Seoul metropolitan area to the Yeongnam region.

The standards for personal protective equipment will also be raised. In particular, from this year, 'integrated insurance' will be applied to all fire vehicles nationwide to standardize and increase compensation coverage in case of fire vehicle accidents, and the criteria for issuing special firefighting suits will be flexibly improved considering the dispatch volume by region.

Respect for those who died in the line of duty or were injured on duty will be strengthened. To establish a memorial culture where the nation remembers the heroic deeds of the fallen until the end, the 119 Memorial Day commemorative event will be introduced, and a mental healing program for bereaved families will be promoted. In addition, plans will be made to prepare livelihood independence measures for spouses, expand educational support methods for children, and realistically support caregiving and medical expenses for firefighters with long-term illnesses.

A zero-tolerance policy will be applied to corrupt acts. Sexual misconduct, drunk driving, and power abuse are representative examples. Commissioner Nam Hwa-young said, "We will focus on reestablishing an on-site response system that meets public expectations and firefighting policies that prioritize human safety, and boldly improve inefficient or unproven policies."

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