The National Fire Agency said on the 25th that it transported two severe trauma patients to a regional trauma center using the "119 Air-ambulance," achieving results that saved lives.
The 119 Air-ambulance is an air emergency medical system in which medical staff and an air paramedic board a fire helicopter together when a critical emergency patient occurs, provide necessary emergency care, and transport the patient to a hospital where treatment can be provided.
According to the National Fire Agency, on the 15th in Gangwon Province, a male driver in his 70s was seriously injured in a crash. The patient received initial care from paramedics and was taken to a nearby hospital, but detailed examinations suggested possible organ damage and determined that emergency surgery and specialized care at the level of a regional trauma center were needed.
They deployed the 119 Air-ambulance. Even inside the helicopter, a trauma surgeon and an air paramedic continuously monitored the patient's condition, and upon arrival at the regional trauma center, the patient was able to undergo surgery immediately.
On the night of the 18th, a man in his 40s collapsed after being in an accident while riding an electric kickboard. Paramedics confirmed that the patient's consciousness was declining and that the head and face were severely injured.
The Gangwon Province emergency medical control center and the northern Gyeonggi emergency medical control center coordinated to deploy the 119 Air-ambulance. The patient was transported to a regional trauma center and was able to be treated safely.
The National Fire Agency emphasized that, because the time from immediately after the accident to arrival at the definitive care hospital determines the chances of survival for severe trauma patients, the role of the 119 Air-ambulance is significant.
National Fire Agency Commissioner Kim Seung-ryong said, "Through the 119 Air-ambulance, we will further strengthen the air emergency medical system so that we can protect people's lives even in medically underserved areas, at night, and during long-distance transports."