Case Analysis and Response Strategies for Firefighter Isolated Incidents

This paper aims to analyze firefighter isolation fatalities and explore ways to reduce them. An overview of the accidents in Gimje (2023), Pyeongtaek (2022), Ulsan (2021), Icheon (2021), and Ulsan (2020) is presented. Then, the causes of the fatalities and the problems in the rescue processes of these accidents are identified: ① The fire spread rapidly. ② The usage of personal safety equipment was inadequate. ③ The Two-In Two-Out principle was not followed. ④ The staffing of the dispatch team was insufficient due to the lack of firefighters. ⑤ The Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) was operated in a perfunctory manner. Regarding these problems, this paper makes the following suggestions: ① Firefighters should be trained using simulations to prepare for rapid combustion situations. ② Training and practice with personal safety equipment should be conducted, and more convenient personal safety equipment should be developed and disseminated. ③ The importance of the Two-In Two-Out principle should be emphasized, and penalties should be enforced for failure to comply. ④ The number of firefighters in rural areas must be urgently increased. ⑤ Measures should be taken to ensure the actual operation of RIT.