Paramedic service to be deployed early next year
HSE spokeswoman Norma Deasy revealed the news as the first five advanced paramedics in the southern region were about to take up their posts in West Cork. These specialists could save countless lives in emergency situations, especially in isolated rural areas which are miles from major hospitals.
Ms Deasy said advanced paramedics have a Graduate Diploma in Emergency Medical Science from UCD, which takes approximately two years to complete.
These are the most experienced ambulance men and women in the country. Nobody is admitted to the course unless they have six or more years experience working in the ambulance service.
The diploma they take is comprised of various academic and practical modules. These include major emergency management, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, health and safety and law, along with practical experience in healthcare facilities such as GP practices, operating theatres and maternity units.
The service to be provided in North Cork will be identical to the West Cork model. The advanced paramedic team will offer 24-hour, 365-day cover in the region.
Ms Deasy said at present she couldn’t provide anexact start-up date for the advanced paramedic service in Cork city and Kerry.
The West Cork service will be officially launched tomorrow at Bantry General Hospital.
Details of the service will be outlined by the HSE’s director of reconfiguration Professor John Higgins, its regional director of operations Pat Healy and assistant chief ambulance officer Michael Norris.
The advanced paramedics will also take part in an emergency response exercise on the hospital grounds which will involve a simulated collision between a car and a cyclist.
The paramedics will be equipped with a rapid response vehicle, which will be fully equipped with the necessary medical equipment to allow to deal with emergencies of all types – from heart attacks to strokes to road traffic accidents.
They are specialists in pre-hospital emergency care who are trained to provide care in all types of medical emergencies.
They possess a wide range of skills which include advanced airway management, initiation of IV fluids (drips) and administration of medications such as pain relief and anti-convulsing therapies. These paramedics can provide advanced life support in resuscitation situations and complement other care providers such as paramedics, doctors, nurses and first responders in the community.
