Background:
South Korea experienced large-scale disasters in the 1990s, highlighting the need to strengthen the emergency medical system. In response, the first paramedicine department was established in 1995 to train paramedics and improve the quality of emergency medical services. By 2023, Korea National University of Transportation had trained numerous paramedics. Building on this experience, the first paramedicine department in Central Asia was established at Andijan State Medical Institute in Uzbekistan in 2023 through the International Cooperation Leading University Development Support Project (ODA). Due to insufficient infrastructure and human resources, Uzbekistan has limited pre-hospital emergency response capabilities, making systematic paramedic training essential.
The establishment of the paramedicine department aims to enhance community emergency response capabilities and strengthen emergency medical infrastructure. By training paramedics, the goal is to provide rapid and appropriate treatment in emergencies to improve survival rates and the quality of emergency care. Additionally, leveraging South Korea's successful experience aims to enhance the quality of local education and foster the sustainable development of Uzbekistan's emergency medical system.

Objective:
The purpose of this study is to explore the development directions for Uzbekistan's first paramedicine department based on South Korea's experience in emergency medical education. The study aims to identify areas for improvement in education programs, infrastructure, and occupational policies, and to provide solutions accordingly. Additionally, it analyzes how the ODA project contributes to enhancing educational capacity and emergency medical infrastructure in Uzbekistan.

Methods:
Surveys and qualitative interviews were conducted with ASMI paramedicine faculty, students, and project stakeholders. Surveys were used to assess satisfaction and needs, and purposive sampling was used to analyze the impact of the ODA project on faculty. Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) were conducted to gather in-depth opinions from faculty and students.

Results:
The results showed high overall satisfaction with the paramedicine program. However, FGIs identified two major issues. First, a clear system for paramedics had not been established in Uzbekistan, resulting in an undefined scope of work and unclear salary structure, which negatively affected job stability. Second, the paramedic profession remains unfamiliar to the public, leading to insufficient promotion and challenges in student recruitment. Faculty members emphasized the need to strengthen practice-oriented education and introduce simulation-based training.

Conclusion:
The lack of a defined system for the paramedic profession and low public awareness were identified as major challenges in Uzbekistan. To address these issues, it is necessary to establish clear job standards, strengthen practical training, improve educational infrastructure, and enhance public promotion. Standardizing the salary structure and implementing effective public campaigns can improve the attractiveness and stability of the paramedic profession. These measures will contribute to the stability of the paramedic profession and the overall development of the emergency medical system. Continued ODA support will further enhance educational infrastructure and faculty capacity, improving emergency medical services and community health in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Paramedicine Education, International Cooperation in Healthcare, Educational Infrastructure Development, Paramedic, EMS.