Paramedics at 'breaking point' with 2,000 more staff needed to meet demand, says Siptu

The increased numbers attending Emergency Departments across the country has severely impacted turn-around times, with crews having to wait hours on end to hand over their patients. Picture: Larry Cummins

Paramedics are at "breaking point" due to the increased demand for their services at a time when the National Ambulance Service (NAS) needs at least an extra 2,000 staff along with 120 new ambulances.

That is according to the paramedics' union Siptu which says some of its members are having to work several hours beyond the end of their shift to meet demand.