Fire service billing HSE for call-outs to road accidents

The fire service is billing the HSE for call-outs to road traffic accidents where casualties have to be cut free from wreckage.

A HSE spokesman said the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management are now in talks. They are hoping to come to an agreement on when the ambulance service can request fire fighter assistance without being billed.

A HSE spokesman told the Irish Examiner: “On rare occasions, the removal of a patient in a confined area may require assistance from the fire service. Various local authorities have traditionally provided this type of assistance.

“However, in recent years, the HSE has in some circumstances been presented with bills from the fire service for assisting patients.

“The NAS is in discussions with the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency as well as the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to agree when the NAS should activate/ request the support of the fire service without being charged.”

One ambulance service source said under previous policy when a call out to a major accident came, the ambulance service automatically notified the fire service which would send a tender to the scene. Now, ambulance personnel on site assess the situation before deciding whether fire service personnel are required.

Limerick City Council member Cllr Jim Long has raised the issue with the health and fire service authorities.

He said: “I feel that if there is a serious road accident, the fire service should also respond immediately and not have to be called on by the ambulance service.

“Time is of the essence, particularly if people are trapped in a vehicle after a crash. I feel this issue of a charge should be done away with.”