SEOUL, May 8 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s 119 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transferred more than 30,000 patients over 100 days since late January after the coronavirus alert rose to its highest level.
The National Fire Agency reported on Thursday that 119 EMS transported a total of 33,064 patients, including 9,794 coronavirus patients and 22,113 suspected patients between January 27 and May 5.
119 is a direct-dial emergency number that connects the caller to the fire brigade and emergency medical services.
As for consultations related to emergency medical services, a total of 26,942 people received consultations on coronavirus.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Daegu soared in late February, pushing local emergency medical staff to maximum capacity. In response, 294 EMS staff and 147 ambulances nationwide headed to the city for support.
Also, operating agents were sent to 18 treatment centers for mild coronavirus patients and 19 temporary accommodation facilities for those who were in contact with a confirmed patient.
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