Gyeonggi Province has implemented an artificial intelligence system for 119 emergency calls to automate text conversion and accident classification [1, 2].
The integration of AI into emergency services aims to reduce critical response times and remove communication barriers for non-native speakers and people with disabilities. By streamlining the intake of emergency data, the province seeks to ensure that dispatch orders for fires and disasters are issued more rapidly.
The system, which was introduced last year, provides several key functions including real-time voice-to-text conversion, accident type classification, and live interpretation for foreign nationals [1, 2]. It also includes a specialized braille translation service designed for visually impaired users.
Kim Byeong-seok, a fire captain at the Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters 119 General Situation Room, said the AI system reduced fire dispatch order times by approximately three percent [2]. He said that tests conducted by the TTA (Telecommunications Technology Association) showed the system achieved a voice recognition accuracy of about 88% in both normal and noisy environments [2].
Beyond speed, the technology focuses on inclusivity. Koo Bon-kyung, the representative of the AI startup that developed the tools, said the system helps people who are otherwise isolated from information. Koo said the technology provides significant assistance to those who must verify specific details personally, such as in contracts or learning materials, ensuring they are not excluded from essential services [2].
The system currently operates within the 119 General Situation Room, where it assists operators in managing high-stress calls by providing instant textual data and translation. This allows dispatchers to focus on coordination rather than manual transcription during the initial seconds of a crisis [1, 2].
“AI system 도입으로 작년 화재 출동 지령 시간을 약 3% 단축시켰으며”
The deployment of AI in Gyeonggi's emergency infrastructure represents a shift toward 'lifestyle AI' that prioritizes accessibility over simple automation. By targeting the 3% reduction in dispatch time and improving accuracy in noisy environments, the province is addressing the 'last mile' of emergency communication where seconds can determine survival rates, particularly for marginalized populations like the visually impaired and non-Korean speakers.
