Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Nobody understands better population density in rural areas which is not the same as in Dublin. Therefore, ambulance response times cannot be the same as they are expected to be in Dublin, but that aspect does not concern us; what concerns us is the rapid response vehicles dispatched to the site of seriously ill patients. Many patients who require an ambulance do not require a blue light service and can wait for a reasonable period. I am referring to the rapid response units that attend seriously ill, traumatised patients involved in road traffic accidents and coastal fall incidents who require urgent medical attention. Such a service is needed because of population density and the size of the area covered in west Clare and County Tipperary. Casualty services were removed from Ennis and Nenagh hospitals. While a helicopter service is available to transfer seriously ill patients, it can only be called by an advanced paramedic. It is essential that the rapid response service be maintained and bolstered because those living in rural Ireland should be entitled to the same services as those living in urban areas. We pay the same taxes and should have the same service. We understand we cannot have a casualty department at every crossroads, but the rapid response unit was intended to make up for the withdrawal of casualty services, with services now being provided 60 miles away. I ask the Minister of State to ensure there will be no reduction in the number of rapid response units.

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