To improve disaster response efficiency and the quality of pre-hospital emergency medical care in Taichung, the Taichung City Government's Fire Bureau partnered with Asia University and Asia University Hospital. On November 29, they organized the Large-Scale Disaster Response and Medical Care Seminar. The event brought together experts in emergency medical services and firefighting to drive the integration and progress of disaster response and emergency medical services.
According to the Fire Bureau, the seminar was led by Fire Bureau Director Sun Fu-yu, Director Wang Chao-neng of the Industry Academia Collaboration Office at Asia University, and Chief Secretary Huang Chien-wen of Asia University Hospital. It invited professionals interested in large-scale disaster response, emergency medical services, and Japanese rescue systems to join. By fostering collaboration and dialogue between industry, government, and academia, the seminar sought to help emergency responders refine their skills and provide greater safety for the public.
The Fire Bureau noted that Taichung City, positioned in central Taiwan, faces heightened earthquake risks due to its proximity to seven major active fault lines. As part of the seminar, Dr. Kao Cheng-kuo from Kuang Tien General Hospital and Lin Chia-jen, a team leader in the Special Rescue Corps of the Fire Bureau, delivered talks on the development and future goals of the special rescue corps’ medical unit. Their presentations covered key topics such as maintaining hygiene during rescue operations, managing deceased victims' remains, and defining the responsibilities of physicians during missions to ensure seamless medical support from the rescue phase to the early recovery period.
In addition, as times change, the use of AI at large-scale disaster sites is becoming essential. Lin Hua-sheng, the captain of the Drone Unit in the Volunteer Fire Brigade's Special Rescue Squad, was invited to share insights on selecting commonly used rescue drones and real-life examples of large-scale disaster responses. Also, Chen Yung-cheng from the Emergency Medical Service Section presented the digital mass casualty system implemented last year, highlighting features like intelligent dispatch and real-time data feedback. These approaches aim to provide the public with the most timely and efficient rescue services during large-scale disasters.
Recognizing the similar disaster challenges between Taiwan and Japan, in addition to internal development and efforts, the Fire Bureau has also visited the Tokyo Fire Department and Yokohama City Fire Department this year to study Japan's 119 dispatch command system, online medical command protocols, and mountain rescue protocols. Chen Po-yang from the Fire Bureau's Emergency and Rescue Command Center and Dr. Chen Chih-yu from Everan Hospital presented key takeaways from Japan's mountain rescue strategies and dispatch systems. By drawing on Japan's successful experiences and adopting advanced technologies, the Bureau seeks to enhance command and dispatch capabilities, strengthen rescue preparedness, and better safeguard the lives of citizens.
According to the Fire Bureau, between January and October this year, 1,823 people in Taichung City who suffered from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) were transported to hospitals by ambulance. Of these, 107 made full recoveries, with 36 of them being successfully resuscitated through dispatcher-assisted CPR (DA-CPR) instructions provided by 119 dispatchers. At the seminar's conclusion, certificates were awarded to top-performing individuals, and Asia University Hospital also expressed its appreciation and recognition of the firefighters’ diligent rescue efforts. Fire Bureau Director Sun Fu-yu encouraged all firefighters in Taichung City to continue working hard to create a happy and livable city, ensuring the highest level of safety and protection for the public.
The Fire Bureau added that the seminar served as more than just a knowledge-sharing event; it was a platform to recognize the tireless efforts of rescue teams. It also offered a chance for leading experts in large-scale disaster response and emergency medical services nationwide to explore future development and enhance collaboration, contributing to the well-being of the public.