James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I will address both points. I stated that an on-duty emergency ambulance will be available within the region as required. I did not say it would be available within the area. Regions cover larger areas. Perhaps that is what the official who drafted the reply means. Nevertheless, I would be happy to arrange a meeting between the Deputy and the individual who drafted the reply. I am not in the business of giving disinformation to the House. If the information is not accurate I would take a serious view of that.

Second, the concept of the golden hour is 40 years old and comes from military field medicine. All international experience and experts, and our own emergency department consultants and specialists, are clear that it is far more important to receive appropriate treatment in a bigger centre than to receive immediate treatment at a smaller centre where the full skill-set may not be present. That we now have paramedics on-site to commence treatment while an ambulance is on its way makes a huge difference to outcomes for patients. Paramedics and advanced paramedics are a great addition to the service and will result in many lives being saved rather than the reverse.

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