Denis Naughten
Question:511. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a geographic breakdown of call outs by the aeromedical service to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18749/13]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2013
Questions (511)
Written answers
On 4 June last year a twelve-month pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service, supported by the Air Corps, commenced operating out of Custume Barracks, Athlone. The service was established by agreement between my Department and the Department of Health to assess the level and type, if any, of dedicated emergency aeromedical support needed to assist the National Ambulance Service for certain types of patient, particularly in light of the requirements of the HSE Clinical Care Programmes such as Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke. A review of the pilot service is currently underway and is being carried out by an Audit and Evaluation Group established under the agreement. A Report, with recommendations, will be submitted for consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Health, before the end of the pilot period.
The review will examine the operational data, including costs and clinical outcomes. All relevant data concerning the missions undertaken is currently being compiled and, while full details are not yet available, I can confirm that EAS missions have been concentrated on the west of Ireland as this area was the geographical focus of the pilot service.