During the Chuseok holiday, which runs from September 24 to 27, there is no need to panic if you suddenly fall ill or face an emergency. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the emergency medical system will operate 24 hours a day, with an average of over 8,300 clinics and pharmacies available each day. For mild symptoms, it is recommended to visit a nearby local clinic first, while severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing should prompt an immediate call to 119.
The Ministry stated on September 21 that it will maintain the 'holiday emergency medical system' to ensure citizens can access medical services smoothly during the Chuseok holiday. Throughout the four-day holiday, 416 emergency medical institutions across the country will continue to provide 24-hour care. On average, 3,495 clinics and health centers, along with 4,383 pharmacies, will be open, ensuring that approximately 8,294 medical facilities and pharmacies are available to safeguard public health each day.
The government emphasized the importance of utilizing the appropriate medical facilities based on symptoms during the holiday. For mild ailments such as stomach upset, colds, or simple sprains, it is advisable to visit local clinics rather than large hospital emergency rooms. If a serious condition is suspected based on the examination results, patients may be quickly transferred to a higher-level medical institution based on the medical staff's judgment.
Conversely, if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sudden numbness in limbs, or slurred speech occur, which may indicate a stroke or heart attack, individuals should immediately call 119. By doing so, they can receive professional medical advice, and emergency responders will transport them to an appropriate emergency medical facility based on their assessment.
Information about open clinics and pharmacies during the holiday can be easily accessed through various channels. This includes smartphone apps like 'Emergency Smart' and 'Emergency Medical Information', as well as the Central Emergency Medical Center's E-Gen website and local government websites. For those who have difficulty using the internet, assistance can be obtained via the Health and Welfare Call Center (129), local call centers (120), or the 119 emergency management center.
Notably, the 'Emergency Smart' app offers a feature that helps users determine whether a visit to the emergency room is necessary based on their symptoms. However, it is recommended to confirm the availability of services by calling ahead, as the operating hours of medical institutions may change unexpectedly during the holiday.
The emergency medical system will remain robust during the holiday. Nationwide, 17 regional trauma centers will operate emergency care systems for specialized trauma cases, while 29 regional and local cardiovascular disease centers will also maintain 24-hour services. To prevent gaps in pediatric care during the holiday, the operation of 156 children's hospitals and 14 pediatric emergency medical centers will be closely monitored.
Above all, to facilitate the transport of critically ill patients, a system for dispatching doctor helicopters and ambulances dedicated to severe cases will be maintained. The 'Emergency Patient Transport System Innovation Pilot Project', which was trialed in the Gwangju and Honam regions earlier this year, will be expanded nationwide before the holiday. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Central Emergency Medical Center will also activate a 24-hour situation room to prepare for disaster medical support teams (DMAT) in the event of mass casualty incidents.
Lee Joong-kyu, Director of Public Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, "We will ensure the operation of the emergency medical system so that citizens can safely enjoy the Chuseok holiday. I urge those with mild symptoms to first visit a nearby local clinic so that emergency room medical staff can focus entirely on treating critically ill patients."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.