Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role. It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks on an as-available basis, including the provision of air ambulance services to the HSE. The HSE aeromedical desk in the national emergency operations centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all health-related air transport arrangements. In addition to the Air Corps, the Coast Guard and private air ambulance operators also provide air transport services for the HSE.

Capacity constraints within the Air Corps have impacted on the services it provides, including services provided to the HSE. Notwithstanding this, the Air Corps continues to provide significant air ambulance support to the HSE. The Air Corps inter-hospital service operates out of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The service provides transport for patients and medical teams between hospitals within Ireland and abroad. In 2017, the Air Corps completed 46 inter-hospital missions, including two priority transfers to the UK of children requiring organ transplants. The Air Corps also operates the emergency aero-medical support service. It is a daily, daytime service based in Custume Barracks in Athlone. Since the commencement of this service in June 2012, the Air Corps has completed more than 2,000 missions, with 357 missions during 2017.

The emergency aero-medical support and inter-hospital services are good examples of the Air Corps and HSE combining their resources to deliver life-saving services for the people.

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