The National Fire Agency delivered a special gift for a baby born inside a firefighting helicopter on New Year's Day.
According to the National Fire Agency on the 5th, at about 11:34 a.m. on the 1st, a pregnant woman at 30 weeks at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Jeju Island needed emergency surgery due to premature rupture of membranes. The Jeju Fire Headquarters immediately dispatched the firefighting helicopter "Hallamae."
While being airlifted to a general hospital in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, the pregnant woman gave birth to a girl inside the helicopter. Thanks to measures by the accompanying obstetrics medical staff and the Jeju Special Response Unit's air ambulance crew, both the mother and baby were said to be healthy. The firefighting helicopter also completed a safe handover to the hospital.
To mark the first childbirth inside a firefighting helicopter of the new year, the National Fire Agency prepared innerwear for the mother, newborn supplies and clothing, and seaweed, which is good for postpartum recovery. On the 3rd, staff from the Changwon Fire Headquarters visited the hospital to meet the mother and baby.
The baby's father said, "I was out of my mind with worry for my wife and the baby in her womb at the time, but I was deeply moved by the fire service's swift response," adding, "It's such a relief that my wife is recovering well and the baby is healthy, and we will raise the child well."
The National Fire Agency decided to promote activation of "heli EMS (helicopter emergency medical service)" as one of its key projects this year. There are currently 32 firefighting helicopters, and the aim is to use them more actively for transporting emergency patients.
Acting Commissioner Kim Seung-ryong of the National Fire Agency said, "I am truly proud that both the mother and child could be healthy thanks to the dedication of firefighters and medical staff who responded calmly even in a critical situation," adding, "The fire service will continue to be a steadfast presence that stays by the public's side until the very last moment to protect lives and safety."