The fire brigade union called for systematic therapeutic support and better treatment for the firefighters who suffered the disaster of 29.10.
The union held a press conference in front of the government complex in Seoul this morning and said: “The firefighters involved in the rescue operations at the time of the 29.10 disaster are going through a difficult time due to the severe post-traumatic stress.”
A firefighter who came to the rescue on the day of the disaster said: “I tried to save at least one other person, but I feel guilty for not having been able to.
According to the union, two of the firefighters who suffered the disaster of 10.29 suffered physical and mental pain simultaneously, including being attacked and seriously injured by a drunk journalist on the 1st.
The union said: “The suicide rate of firefighters is higher than any other profession, but there is no center to manage post-traumatic stress in the fire department.”
He continued: “There are only about 1,000 119 paramedics in Seoul,” he said, asking the government to increase the number of firefighters and paramedics, who are social security personnel.
He also argued that the law and system should be changed to unify the command system, stating that although the firefighters were converted to national positions last year, the staff and budgetary authority remain with the mayor and the provincial governor.
