A few years back Dublin was suppose to get an Air Ambulance Service on a six month trail period. It was to be based around the already established HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) in line with most European Capitals. I don't think the test period ever happened "could be wrong". It was to be contracted out much like the current SAR operations.
A consultant of Emergency Medicine, can't remember his name stated that people were dying unnessarly in the west of ireland from road crashes and accidents because of head injuries and the time frame involved in transport to a A&E department by road. His group recommend that 4 helicopters be located in key area's to provide the cover needed. These would be air ambulance and not SAR Helo's i.e small twin engine aircraft. Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Mayo. Each crew would have a Truma Doctor giving the casulity the best possible treatment on site.
Looking across the water to the UK where most counties have their own dedicated Air Ambulance Service. They are proven to save lives and again we hear in Ireland are agian found lacking.
I think that it would be better for the AC to operate this service but what type of aircraft would be good for the job and do you think it is a job for the AC ?
HEMS London click
Air Ambulance click
Could be a joint AC and Medical Corp venture
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