Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Air Ambulance Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

301 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the current position on the helicopter emergency medical service; and when he hopes to approve the provision of the helicopters and have this service in operation. [22212/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of an air ambulance service for emergency cases which cannot be safely conveyed by road ambulance is provided by the Air Corps and the marine search and rescue helicopter service of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. Proposals for the development of a dedicated air ambulance service fall to be considered in the wider context of developments in emergency medical services generally.

It is important to acknowledge that the development of emergency medical services encompass all areas of emergency care including the ambulance service, general practice and hospitals accident and emergency departments. The potential benefits of a dedicated air ambulance service must be examined in the context of the improvements to emergency medical services generally and I am anxious to ensure the development of a consensus in an Irish context of the most appropriate role for air support in the provision of pre-hospital care and inter-hospital transfer. I have personally held initial discussions in this matter recently with interested parties and I propose to have further discussions in the near future. I am also seeking the views of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council.