5,543 line-of-duty injury cases during fire service activities over 10 years... Jeju steps up on-scene accident prevention training

【Financial News Jeju = Jeong Yong-bok, Reporter】 Jeju Eastern Fire Station reviewed hazards at actual disaster sites and accident prevention guidelines with 120 firefighters. Nationwide, 5,543 line-of-duty injury cases occurred during fire service activities over the past 10 years, leaving crew safety during on-scene response a major ongoing challenge.
Jeju Eastern Fire Station said on the 8th that it held training on on-scene safety management and public service ethics for its firefighters on the 6th in Haeoreum Room on the third floor of its headquarters.
The training focused on examining hazards that may arise at disaster sites, including fires, rescues and emergency medical responses, through real-world cases, and strengthening firefighters’ ability to prevent accidents.
Kim Han-hyeon, head of the Fire Safety Investigation Team at Jeju Fire Station and a fire captain, explained key precautions for preventing accidents and identifying hazards at disaster sites under the topic “On-Scene Precautions, Illustrated Through Case Studies.”
Accidents in which firefighters are injured during fire service activities continue to occur nationwide. According to the National Fire Agency (NFA), 5,543 line-of-duty injury cases occurred during fire service activities over the 10 years from 2015 to 2024. A line-of-duty injury is a case in which a public official is injured or becomes ill while performing their duties.

By type of activity, the largest number of line-of-duty injuries occurred during emergency medical responses, with 1,975 cases (36%). Injuries at fire scenes totaled 1,788 cases (32%). An average of 3.5 firefighters per year died in the line of duty while carrying out hazardous duties.
The NFA is pursuing policies that link analysis of accident causes, improvements to response procedures and training in order to reduce on-scene accidents. The current “Regulations on Safety Management for Firefighters’ On-Scene Firefighting Activities” also require regular safety training. The training includes analysis of accident cases and improvement measures, inspections of personal protective equipment, exercises in identifying on-scene hazards, and procedures to follow when an accident occurs.
Commanders are also responsible for identifying hazards at disaster sites in advance and ensuring the safety of personnel on the scene. The relevant regulations require on-scene commanders to identify hazards such as explosions, collapses and falls, and prepare response measures before deploying personnel.
The Eastern Fire Station’s training that day also addressed public officials’ responsibilities, alongside on-scene safety management. Retired firefighter Kim Yeong-ho gave a special lecture on the topic “Firefighters Through the Eyes of the Public.” Drawing on his experience in service, he explained the conduct expected of public officials to maintain public trust and the importance of practicing integrity.
“The mission of firefighters is to protect the lives and property of Jeju residents, and that mission must be underpinned by thorough on-scene response capabilities and the public’s trust,” Jeju Eastern Fire Station Chief Kang Seong-bu said, emphasizing the importance of continued training and practicing integrity.


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