(image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, Mar. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — The city of Seoul announced on Thursday that it will install warning broadcasts and emergency bells within ambulances to protect 119 paramedics from drunk citizens and others.
The first 119 ambulance to feature the new technology is based at the Yangcheon Fire Station, which plans to issue a warning to intoxicated citizens that they should not exercise physical force on the crew.
Nevertheless, if the crew is threatened, the driver can be notified by pressing an emergency bell, and the driver will immediately stop and ask 119 investigation units for assistance.
There were 46 cases of violence against 119 paramedics in Seoul in 2016, 38 in 2017 and 65 in 2018. This year, eight cases have been reported thus far.
However, as most of the perpetrators are subject to only fines and suspended sentences, the number of assaults on paramedics has not decreased.
After analyzing the results experienced by the Yangcheon Fire Station, the city plans to expand warning broadcasting and emergency-level facilities in ambulances across Seoul.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
