Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ambulance Service.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

298 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding emergency medical technicians, EMTs; the number of such EMTs employed in the health services; the reasons they are prohibited from using much of the medical equipment with which ambulances are now equipped and from administering much of the medication which is carried on board ambulances; and the measures required if any, including legislation, to allow them to provide more comprehensive emergency treatment. [2277/03]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

325 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he denies EMTs the right to administer life-saving drugs by his failure to implement paramedic status for EMTs. [2527/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 325 together.

There are upwards of 900 persons employed as emergency medical technicians, EMTs, by the emergency ambulance service across the country comprising chief ambulance officers, ambulance officers and EMTs. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, PHECC, was established in 2000 and its primary function is to develop appropriate standards in pre-hospital emergency care. It is in this context that the council is pursuing the development of professional and performance standards for the ambulance services, and for ambulance services personnel, in addition to the accreditation of institutions providing training for emergency medical technicians.

EMTs are at present precluded from administering certain medications and from using certain medical equipment. The PHECC has submitted proposals to my Department in relation to the creation, within the ambulance service, of an emergency medical technician-advanced, EMT-A, post. The creation of this grade will facilitate the administration of certain medications and the use of certain medical equipment by EMTAs. The proposals require regulatory changes and these are being progressed by my Department.

I assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to pursue policy initiatives aimed at improving key aspects of the emergency medical service in order to ensure that those calling on the service receive timely and appropriate care.

Question No. 299 answered with Question No. 296.