Vol. 415 No. 8
97 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that research suggests that one in three cardiac deaths are preventable if timely intervention is made; and whether the present services in Ireland are capable of the timely intervention required.
While a number of reports have been published internationally over the last few years dealing with the subject of deaths from cardiac disease, I would point out that there has been a degree of variation in their findings.
In view of the various reports, it has been recognised that there is a need to examine the arrangements for pre-hospital cardiac care here. As a result, the provision of an effective pre-hospital cardiac service is among the main areas to be covered in a major review of the ambulance service which is being undertaken by my Department together with the health boards. This review will take into account the views of all interested parties and especially the literature available internationally on this subject.
It would be intended that the recommendations of the review group in relation to the provision of pre-hospital cardiac care would be taken into account by the health boards when considering any future developments in this area.
