Emergency medical services medical directors in Korea: system operations and training status

This study reviewed the structure, workforce, training pathways, and operational characteristics of Korea's emergency medical services (EMS) medical director system and described its current status.National EMS statistics (2019-2023), fire-service yearbooks (2020-2024), workforce rosters, legal documents, and training reports were analyzed.The review covered direct medical direction by National Fire Agency EMS control centers, indirect direction at provincial fire headquarters, private ambulance staffing, and training pathways and deployment of EMS medical directors.Since the EMS Medical Director Training Course was introduced in 2007, 922 physicians have completed the program.The EMS fellowship program, established in 2017 by the Korean Association of EMS Physicians, has trained 98 emergency physicians.As of June 2024, 278 EMS medical directors were assigned to 240 fire stations.As of 2024, 412 directors staffed nine regional 119 EMS control centers, and 137 were appointed across 129 private ambulance companies.The EMS Medical Director Training Course has expanded the physician workforce, enabling both direct and indirect medical direction in prehospital care.EMS medical directors also contribute to improving emergency care systems.Continued curriculum development will support adaptation to evolving demands and enhance prehospital patient safety.