New air ambulance service set for lift-off – Naughten

In Health, News by Denis Naughten

Service based in Cork will allow Athlone service to respond to more local emergencies 

Confirmation that a contract has now been signed for the operation of a second air ambulance base in County Cork which will take pressure off the air ambulance based in Athlone, has been welcomed by Denis Naughten TD.

The local TD had a commitment to establish a second air ambulance covering the southern part of the country included in the Programme for Government and again incorporated into the Department of Health’s Plan for the reform of trauma services across the country.

In welcoming the conclusion of negotiations Denis Naughten said “At present Ireland has one dedicated air ambulance based at Custume Barracks in Athlone, and the development of a second air ambulance at Rathcoole, near Millstreet in County Cork will allow the Athlone based service to respond to more emergencies in the Midlands and West of Ireland.

Deputy Naughten, who has been campaigning for an air ambulance service for over a decade, added: “Since the current service was launched in 2012, the air ambulance in Athlone has saved countless lives. Now with a second air ambulance coming on stream, the dedicated team from the Air Corps and National Ambulance Service advance paramedics in Athlone will be in a position to respond to many more emergencies.

“The development of the second air ambulance which will be operated by Irish Community Rapid Response has been a priority for me, as it will provide a better emergency service throughout the country with the two air ambulances being supported by the Coast Guard helicopters based in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin.

“This now provides excellent air ambulance cover across Ireland and will be of particular benefit to people in our region who have to travel well over an hour by road to access a major trauma unit in an emergency,” concluded Denis Naughten.

ENDS.

 

Editors note: Minister Harris’ announcement: https://www.icrr.ie/icrr-welcomes-contract-signing-for-new-air-ambulance-service/

 

Previous Dail discussion on the topic: https://youtu.be/PSN0f7BSvbo