The Deputy will be aware that the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council was established in 2000 and that 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.
The council has developed proposals in relation to the creation, within the ambulance service, of an emergency medical technician – advanced (EMT-A) post. The proposals, which would require regulatory changes to permit EMT-As to administer medications, are currently being examined by my Department.
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.