There have been 33 cases of verbal abuse and assault against paramedics in the Chungnam region from 2021 to the present. This year has already recorded more cases than last year, with most perpetrators being intoxicated. The current law imposes a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won for obstructing rescue and emergency activities, but actual punishments often end up as fines or suspended sentences. Experts emphasize that assaulting paramedics is a serious crime that threatens the lives of patients and argue that severe punishment should be imposed to raise awareness.
