Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1491. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the changes being made to the role of the Coast Guard in view of the fact that search and rescue pilots on 24-hour duty will no longer be expected to undertake inter-hospital patient transfers; the alternative procedures being put in place to provide air transport for patient transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38259/17]
View answerThe provision of Air Ambulance/Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (AA/HEMS) is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive through the National Ambulance Service. The role of the Coast Guard in the provision of a HEMS service has been and will remain a secondary role to the primary SAR function and is provided on “as available” basis. Following a recent review by the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to arrangements for HEMS/AA, the Canadian Helicopter Corporation Ireland, the contractors for the Coast Guard Helicopter Service, were informed that such services must operate under Civil Air Transport rules (AA/HEMS) rules with effect from the 6th of Sept. This essentially imposes more restrictive rules in relation to rest times and rostering in carrying out this type of work as opposed to maritime SAR services which are provided within a 24 hour roster.
The Department of Health and NAS have been advised on the impact of these changes with regard to provision HEMS/air Ambulance services.
