Fire Agency: Insufficient Personnel for Separating Disaster and Medical Rescue; Planning to Outsource Part of Medical Services

(Central News Agency reporter Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, 11th) The issue of firefighter fatalities and specialized duties has drawn public attention. The Interior Ministry's Fire Agency stated today that separating disaster response from medical rescue operations faces challenges due to insufficient personnel. The agency hopes to classify medical rescue tasks and outsource certain functions, similar to contracting them out. Since civilian organizations also operate ambulances, the agency is considering which parts of the service could be delegated externally. However, the plan is still in the planning stage and requires public acceptance before implementation.

Last July, a person drowned after illegally entering a waterfall restricted area in Xindian District, New Taipei City, to practice stand-up paddleboarding. A firefighter died after the rescue boat capsized during the search operation. In response, the Firefighters' Rights Promotion Association strongly advocated for the specialization of the three core firefighting missions: fire prevention, disaster rescue, and emergency medical services, emphasizing that firefighters cannot be experts in all areas. At the time, Fire Agency Director Hsiao Huan-chang responded that the Duty Safety Committee would review whether disaster and medical rescue operations should be separated, while also considering manpower constraints.

During today's post-ministerial meeting press conference, Fire Agency Chief Secretary Cheng Chih-chiang addressed whether disaster and medical rescue operations should be separated. He stated that fire stations do not have sufficient personnel, and immediately separating the two functions would create a manpower shortage. After analysis, the agency is considering outsourcing certain aspects of medical rescue services, noting that ambulances are operated by health authorities, civilian organizations, and fire departments. The agency is now evaluating which parts of ambulance services could be transferred to external providers.

Cheng explained that medical rescue services include various types, with emergency cases not constituting the majority. Besides urgent incidents requiring immediate firefighter response, many calls are less urgent—such as frequent public requests for ambulances. The agency hopes to categorize these services accordingly. However, planning will take time, and public and institutional acceptance is required before implementation.

Additionally, Interior Ministry Minister without Portfolio Ma Shih-yuan stated that to enhance duty safety equipment for police and firefighters, improve psychological support, and strengthen occupational safety measures, the ministry established the first 'Police and Fire Duty Safety Promotion and Incident Investigation Committee' in June 2024. The committee has held 13 meetings, discussed nearly 50 issues, and continues to promote improvement measures through professional, objective, and systematic discussions to strengthen frontline personnel safety. (Edited by Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150611