Pilot air ambulance service extended until June as study group examines options to set up permanent service – Feighan

Fine Gael Roscommon/South Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has been informed by the Department of Health that the pilot air ambulance service has been extended until June as a high level study group examines options to set up a permanent service. The air ambulance service, which is based in Athlone, was originally set up as a year-long pilot in June 2012.

“A review of the Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) carried out last year confirmed the need for a permanent service and a special group is now looking at the establishment of a permanent operation. I understand that this group has now met four times and is currently arranging a fifth meeting.

“The group has identified and is now discussing a range of options, including variations of the service. Pending the completion of this work, agreement has been reached with the Minister for Defence for the extension of the pilot service until the beginning of June.

“Clearly, the air ambulance service, provided by the Air Corps and the National Ambulance Service, has been a huge success since it was set up as a year-long pilot in June 2012. Up to February of this year, the EAS has completed more than 550 missions since its inception.

“The service responds quickly to emergencies where patients needing rapid access to acute services in larger hospitals will be transported quickly to receive the appropriate medical care.

“Indeed, the EAS has played a key role in providing critical air support options in response to major emergencies in the catchment area of Roscommon Hospital. Approximately one mission a week has been carried out across County Roscommon since the air ambulance service commenced almost a year and a half ago.”

ENDS