| Abstract |
This study discusses the currently inadequate allocation of firefighting manpower and service. The analysis was carried out by comparing the two firefighting branches in Guoguang and Yuanshan of Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, in order to locate the problems in current allocation of firefighting manpower and service, and provide solutions based on the findings. By comparing the two branches, we found that populations and number of urban villages in the designated areas should not be the only factors which determine the number of firefighters allocated, although the two factors alone satisfy the requirements of the regulations. The authorities should also consider the nature of the designated areas, the scope of support and the number and type of vehicles in the branches. On the other hand, the author also sent out questionnaires and interviewed experts concerning the allocation of manpower and service of firefighters, to pinpoint problems in manpower shortage, and propose corresponding measures. The main conclusions are as follows: 1. Fire stations of various counties and cities should allocate rescuers and ambulance staff appropriately according to regulations, when they purchase rescue vehicles and ambulances in the future. 2. As there are insufficient serving firefighters, it is necessary to simplify their operations and reduce unnecessary businesses outside the station, to preserve rescue and first aid capacity; 3. Although the manpower of firefighters expands year by year, the number of tasks irrelevant to the profession also increases year by year, and as a result, the firefighters cannot focus on training tasks. 4. Many problems still exist in defining the responsibilities of firefighters. The formulation of laws and regulations should be updated and change with the times, and an appropriate working system should be established to protect firefighters. |
