Written answers

Wednesday, 1 November 2006

Department of Health and Children

Ambulance Service

6:00 am

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the use of private ambulances she will confirm that there should be a certified emergency medical technician or paramedic travelling in the back with the patient at all times; the best practice guidelines for same; the reason this practice is not followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35486/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is responsible for the development of professional and performance standards for the ambulance services and for the accreditation of institutions providing training for ambulance personnel.

The Health Service Executive has advised that when private ambulance services are contracted to carry out A&E duties, on the Executive's behalf, it ensures that both crew members are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) registered with the PHECC.

The Executive has also advised that in relation to all inter hospital transfers, the minimum requirement is that one member of the crew, who must be either a PHECC registered EMT, a Registered nurse or a clinician (where required), will travel with the patient at all times.

The HSE has confirmed that when private ambulance services have been contracted to deliver services on its behalf, they must always comply with the requirements as laid out by the National Ambulance Office.

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