Tragedy Strikes: 70-Year-Old’s Fatal Fall from Construction Site Exposes Alarming ‘No Surgeon’ Emergency Room Crisis
Scene of the accident where a newly built livestock shed collapsed in Gijang-gun, Busan on the 2nd. (Provided by Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters)
Worker Dies After Failing to Find Emergency Room in Busan
A recent incident in Busan has highlighted the challenges faced by emergency responders in finding medical facilities that can provide timely treatment. A worker in his 70s, who fell from a construction site, was taken to a hospital emergency room but died after being unable to find a doctor to perform surgery.
According to the Busan Employment and Labor Office, the incident occurred on the 2nd at a livestock facility construction site in Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan. The worker, who was transporting materials, fell from the stairs on the 2nd floor and was seriously injured.
The fire department, which was dispatched after receiving a report from a coworker, contacted nearby hospitals to find an emergency room that could treat the worker. However, all of them refused, citing a lack of medical staff or facilities.
After continuing to question people for about 10 minutes, the paramedics were able to transport the worker to Busan Kosin University Hospital. However, the journey took about 30 minutes due to the distance between the accident site and the hospital.
The worker arrived at the hospital at around 9:23 AM, 1 hour and 12 minutes after the report was received. Examination results showed that he needed emergency surgery due to a fractured spine. However, Gosin University Hospital was also unable to perform the surgery due to a lack of medical staff.
While the hospital was looking for other places where surgery was possible, the worker died at around 12:30 that day. An official from Kosin University Hospital stated that they had already informed the fire department in advance that surgery was not possible and had arranged for the patient to be brought to the hospital for emergency treatment and a thorough examination.
This incident highlights the need for improved emergency medical services and better communication between hospitals and emergency responders.