The Reality and Challenges of Rural Emergency Medical Service in Republic of Korea Based on the Current Status of Emergency Medical Service in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
10.5393/JAMCH.2024.49.3.216
- Author:
Youngsoo KIM
1
;
Myeongjun BAN
;
Seung-gun LEE
;
Aejeong KANG
;
Hyegyung HWANG
;
Beak-Geun JEONG
Author Information
1. Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:Journal of Agricultural Medicine & Community Health
2024;49(3):216-234
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, is designated as an emergency medical vulnerable area, facing significant challenges in transporting and treating emergency patients. A detailed analysis of the regional emergency medical system is required to identify effective solutions.
Methods:This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from the National Emergency Medical Information System and emergency activity logs with qualitative data from focus group interviews involving 24 stakeholders, including medical staff, paramedics, civil servants, and local residents.
Results:Quantitative findings indicated an aging population in Hapcheon-gun, with a growing number of elderly emergency room users. Despite the utilization of local emergency medical institutions, a lack of trust and preference for urban hospitals led even patients with mild conditions to seek care at higher-level facilities. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, transport distances and times for patients using 119 emergency services increased. Qualitative analysis identified several issues: limited capacity of local institutions, challenges in patient transport due to misaligned emergency medical zones, an increase in severely ill patients, and the absence of a coordinated emergency medical consultative body.Recommendations include strengthening local institutions through government support, realignment of emergency zones, legal reforms, the establishment of a continuous consultative body, and enhancing the capacity of medical staff, paramedics, and residents.
Conclusion:Improving the emergency medical system in Hapcheon-gun will require targeted efforts in institutional strengthening, legal and administrative support, and capacity-building initiatives.
