In Taipei, everyone knows that in times of trouble the number to call is "119". But not many realize that when they dial "119" they are actually calling the fire department.
Taipei's fire department has changed a lot from the days when it was just a group of men in asbestos suits running out to extinguish fires. Its members now perform all types of functions and provide many forms of aid. With the establishment of the 119 number in 1970, the department entered a new era of service to the public.
"Catching snakes, killing hornets, getting people to university tests on time, this is nothing special," explained Shao Ying-wen, chief of Taipei's 119 duty station. "We like to think we can overcome any problem, large or small. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive service to protect people's lives and property," Shao said.
The duty station, the heart of 119's operations, has 100 lines and receives an average of 800 to 1,000 calls a day. Duty officers are responsible for getting in touch with the fire station nearest the caller. They have the most up-to-date information on hospitals, doctors and clinics in order to provide the swiftest and most effective help possible.
Helping others is recognized by all religions as virtuous work. Chief Shao's own family is Buddhist and his mother worships every day at home. He laughed, "Sometimes I joke with her and say, 'Why do you spend so much time and energy worshiping? I save so many people every day, isn't that good enough?' She laughs, but I know that when she worships, she asks the Buddha to protect me."
The typhoon season is "119"'s busiest time. All leaves are cancelled and the men are on call 24 hours a day, waiting for orders to perhaps help flood victims, assist in childbirth or even repair a door or window that has been blown in.
Sometimes, after they finish work, they find their own homes have been damaged by the typhoon. One fireman recalled: "At the end of July, the night of Typhoon Andy, our people and vehicles were all out. When we returned the next morning we found the station's bedroom windows had been blown in, the downstairs awning was down and the bathroom roof had been blown away. Some of us thought it was the funniest thing that happened in our area." He laughed, "We really don't have any time for ourselves." Duty officers often feel guilty, because in serving the public they have no time to take care of their own families. When typhoons come, officers often send their dependents to other homes so they can concentrate on their work, without worrying.
Over the years, through the firemen's hard work and conscientious attitude, 119 has earned the trust of the people. This can be seen from all the extra duties they are called on to perform.
"People think we are omnipotent and can solve any problem, so whether it is small or large, they immediately call 119", commented 10 year veteran Wang Liao-chih. He continued: "The day Typhoon Andy struck we received 4,200 phone calls. Most callers wanted to know if they had to go to work that day, if there were classes, whether the trains were running, or when their electricity or water would be restored. Actually these are questions that should have been directed to ward offices, schools, and power companies, but everyone just thinks to ask us."
One day the duty station got a call from a small boy who said he had bought a model airplane, and although he had read the instructions, he still could not put it together. "I heard that if anyone has a problem, they can call '119'. So can you send an officer here to help me?" The officer told the boy to come to the station so they could "all get together and study the problem." The boy brought the kit in and left with a beautiful model airplane.
Helping people is like putting out fires. The most important thing is speed. On receiving their orders, officers should be out within 40 seconds during the day and 90 seconds at night. Sometimes they have just sat down to eat when a call comes in. They have to drop their bowls and chopsticks, and leave immediately. When they return their food is cold, but they sit down and continue eating as if nothing had happened.
To officers at 119, the life-saving duties they perform are routine. But they get a sense of satisfaction over a job well done. One officer said that seeing people's gratitude makes him feel very happy. "It is an indescribable feeling. We don't want any rewards, because the fulfillment we receive from our work is the greatest reward of all."
[Picture Caption]
Above: Rescue work is the main duty of 119 officers. Here they are seen rescuing a child at the scene of a fire. Below: The 119 duty station. As soon as a call comes in, help is on the way.
1. In order to offer the most comprehensive service, 119 has many modern vehicles. 2. 119's duties have gradually expanded, now they are even called upon to catch dangerous snakes. 3. In the heat of action. They will not leave until the last ember is out. 4. 119 has many hook and ladder trucks for fighting blazes in tall buildings.
Top Left: Before typhoons arrive 119 officers are busy preparing for all types of rescue operations. Bottom Left: When there is an injury, 119 arrives in no time to administer first aid and rush the injured to the hospital. Right: After typhoons some areas are left without water. 119 then sends the pumpers around to distribute water to those in need.
In order to offer the most comprehensive service, 119 has many modern vehicles.
In order to offer the most comprehensive service, 119 has many modern vehicles.
119's duties have gradually expanded, now they are even called upon to catch dangerous snakes.
In order to offer the most comprehensive service, 119 has many modern vehicles.
119's duties have gradually expanded, now they are even called upon to catch dangerous snakes.
Before typhoons arrive 119 officers are busy preparing for all types of rescue operations.
When there is an injury, 119 arrives in no time to administer first aid and rush the injured to the hospital.
After typhoons some areas are left without water. 119 then sends the pumpers around to distribute water to those in need.
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