Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

To celebrate the successful resuscitation of OHCA (Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) patients, the Taipei City Fire Department held a special event titled "30 Years of Phoenix Rebirth: Celebrating Life Together" on February 14, 2025, at 10 AM in the first-floor atrium of Taipei City Hall. The event was hosted by Mayor Chiang Wan-an, who honored firefighters, organizations, and institutions dedicated to emergency medical services. Several OHCA survivors were invited to reunite with their rescuers to express gratitude and appreciation. The event concluded with Mayor Chiang and the attendees cutting a cake to symbolize the joy of rebirth.

Mayor Chiang stated in his speech, "A comprehensive emergency medical system is a symbol of a safe and progressive city." Since taking office, the Taipei City Government has continuously promoted emergency medical policy reforms, actively improving OHCA survival rates, and enhancing the technical training of emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Since 2015, Taipei has consistently achieved over 100 OHCA recoveries annually, with recent years surpassing 150. This reflects the city's determination to become "the most life-saving city." Additionally, the Fire Department received the "Best Institution Award" from the Asian Emergency Medical Services Association in 2023 and the "2024 EMS Golden Phoenix Group Award" in 2024, highlighting its excellence in emergency medical services.

The Fire Department reviewed the history of emergency medical services in Taipei. Since 1968, Taipei firefighters began providing emergency medical care, initially with only basic first-aid knowledge and simple medical kits. Their primary task was rapid response and transport of patients to hospitals. In 1999, under the leadership of former Fire Chief Chang Po-ching, the nation's first specialized EMS team, "Golden Phoenix," was established, marking a significant milestone in EMS reform. This initiative introduced dual-track EMS, online medical guidance, the deployment of AEDs, and collaborations with major hospitals like NTU Hospital, improving Taipei's pre-hospital emergency care to international standards.

Today, all Taipei ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art medical devices, including AEDs, automated CPR machines, oxygen delivery systems, and emergency medications. The Fire Department also focuses on soft skills training in areas like team resource management and communication. In recent years, the department has embraced digital transformation, introducing a Critical Care Coordination System, 5G ambulance telemedicine, and AI-powered ECG analysis to ensure Taipei remains at the forefront of global emergency medical services.

During the event, three OHCA survivors attended to express their gratitude by presenting flowers to their rescuers, creating an emotional and heartfelt moment. Many survivors shared how the prompt intervention of firefighters and medical teams gave them a second chance at life, allowing them to reunite with their families.

To conclude, Mayor Chiang, Fire Department personnel, survivors, and their families cut a celebratory cake, symbolizing the continuation of life and the joy of rebirth. Mayor Chiang emphasized that these success stories are not only a testament to the efforts of the Fire Department, the Department of Health, and emergency hospitals but also serve as an inspiration for all emergency responders to further refine their skills. Going forward, Taipei City will continue to enhance emergency services by leveraging big data and AI technology to optimize its EMS system, making Taipei a safer and more livable city.