A Study on Disaster Inequality Among Vulnerable Populations Perceived by Volunteer Firefighters and Measures for Improvement

This study examines disaster inequality as perceived by volunteer firefighters and offers recommendations to guide future government disaster management policies. In April 2024, a quantitative survey was conducted with 101 volunteer firefighters in G City, G Province, followed by focus group interviews with public and private experts in May 2024. The findings indicated that the elderly are considered the most vulnerable to disasters. Furthermore, significant differences in disaster awareness were observed depending on the availability of manuals. The study highlighted the need for legal reforms and the expansion of volunteer firefighter roles, including certification programs, to enhance disaster preparedness and responses for vulnerable populations. Therefore, it is necessary to improve educational and training programs for volunteer firefighters, focusing on the needs of the elderly who are vulnerable to disasters. Furthermore, enhancing legal and institutional measures will help empower volunteer firefighters to act as effective leaders in disaster management.