Rural air ambulance:A new emergency air ambulance service costing €1 million per annum will mean the difference between life and death for people in rural areas, according to the medical director of the National Ambulance Service.
Dr Cathal O’Donnell said the Emergency Aeromedical Service, which was launched in Athlone yesterday, would benefit a small number of patients in emergency situations. For these people it would offer the chance of survival or the avoidance of significant complications of existing medical conditions.
The pilot scheme will operate from Custume Barracks in Athlone and serve areas along the western seaboard in particular. The service, which is funded by the Health Service Executive, will operate seven days a week during daylight hours.