Ambulance drivers warn lives are at risk without funding

THOUSANDS of lives will be put at risk unless there is a €35 million investment in the ambulance service, worried drivers revealed yesterday.

The stark warning was heard by delegates at the IAMBEX conference organised by the Association of Chief Ambulance Drivers.

The Association’s chairman Peter Curley said it was vital that millions of euro are invested in the ambulance service over the next five years.

“While there has been improvements in funding since 1993, we need to invest significantly more in our computer and communications system,” Mr Curley said.

“If this was done many more lives could be saved, because we are the first point of contact when people get into difficulty each day,” he said.

Mr Curley added that any spending cuts by the Department of Health should not hit the already cash-strapped service.

“Funding has to continue despite the economic downturn. It’s really needed to save more lives,” he said.

In Dublin alone it is estimated that the lives of 2,500 emergency patients are at risk because the service has not got enough ambulances.

Junior Health Minister Ivor Callely yesterday pledged that the Government will support the ambulance service.

“The Department will continue to work with service providers, to pursue policy initiatives, aimed at ensuring that those calling on the ambulance service receive timely care,” Minister Callely said.

The biannual conference was also attended by the members of the Air Corps and the Coast Guard.

Chief officer with the Eastern Regional Ambulance Service, Pat McCreanor, said emergency response times are quicker when rescue services work together.

“These services combine to help people all the time. By working together we can help improve response times.

“The conference is looking at ways of increasing this teamwork,” he said.

This view was shared by Junior Minister Callely who opened the two day conference at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin.

“It is essential that we develop an integrated approach with other healthcare providers, as part of a seamless healthcare system,” he said.

The conference will also include a simulated air rescue by the Air Corps and the Coast Guard helicopter service.

This is aiming to highlight the importance of teamwork in emergencies.

Mr McCreanor also revealed that dozens of drivers are set to begin a newly established advanced medical course.

“This EMTA course is set to begin very soon and it will allow ambulance drivers to help treat people who are unconscious or suffer cardiac arrest,” he said.