Councilor Lee Mucheol Criticizes Budget for Neglecting Paramedic Staffing Gaps, Threatening Residents' Safety

Replacement Staffing Rate Stagnates at 11-18% Over Three Years
Lee Mucheol of Gangwon Provincial Council: "Program Fails to Meet Its Intended Purpose"

Lee Buchul, Gangwon Provincial Council Member. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Council

Lee Mucheol, a member of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Provincial Council (People Power Party, Chuncheon 4), strongly criticized the budget for "replacement paramedic staffing" submitted by the Gangwon Fire Headquarters during the review of the fire department's budget proposal at the 342nd regular session held on November 20, stating that the budget is grossly insufficient to ensure the safety and lives of Gangwon residents.

According to materials submitted by the Fire Headquarters, the replacement staffing program, which is being implemented to address paramedic staffing gaps, has only met 10-18% of the demand over the past three years. This indicates that the core purpose of the program is being seriously undermined.

During the pilot operation in 2024, the demand for replacement staff was 53, but only 6 were actually hired (11.3%). For 2025, only 9 out of 65 positions (13.8%) are expected to be filled, and for 2026, just 10 out of 55 positions (18%) are planned to be filled.

Assemblyman Lee emphasized, "A single vacancy in a paramedic team directly leads to delayed dispatch, increased risk during transport, the collapse of the three-person team system, and burnout among staff. This is not simply a matter of administrative convenience, but an issue directly tied to the lives of our residents."

Lee also criticized the province's excessively passive approach to budgeting, pointing out that the replacement staffing program is "the most effective essential safety program in terms of input versus outcome."

Although the wages for temporary replacement staff are relatively low and have a significant impact on resolving acute staffing shortages and stabilizing field operations, Gangwon Province has only allocated a budget of about 250 million won for 10 staff members in 2026.

Lee raised concerns, stating, "Due to the vast area and geographical constraints unique to Gangwon’s fire and emergency system, a denser staffing structure is needed. However, this necessity is not being reflected in the budget."

He also referred to other regions, saying, "Seoul plans to hire 32, Busan 36, Gyeonggi Province 200, Daejeon 20, Chungnam 20, and Jeonnam 20 replacement staff in 2025. Some provinces and cities are proactively expanding replacement staffing to structurally address workforce gaps. In contrast, Gangwon Province only planned for 9 last year and 10 this year. The Fire Headquarters must clearly explain why there is such a huge gap."

Lee further criticized, "While other regions operate replacement staffing from the perspective of 'protecting residents' lives,' Gangwon Province maintains a passive attitude of hiring only as many as possible."

He stressed, "Paramedic staffing gaps are not just a matter of inconvenience; they are a critical issue that directly determines residents' lives, such as securing the golden hour for cardiac arrest patients. Gangwon Province must move beyond mere formal operations and commit to staffing and budget expansion that meets actual demand, as well as establish a mid- to long-term staffing plan."

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