Written answers

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

6:00 pm

Photo of Dominic HanniganDominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Health the number of rapid response units that are deployed nationwide; the location at which they are deployed; the number of such units that will be added in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20274/11]

Photo of Dominic HanniganDominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Health the number of advanced paramedics that are employed nationwide; the regions at which the advanced paramedics are employed; the number of new advanced paramedics that will be employed in the next 12 months; the number of advanced paramedics that are currently in training; the cost of training an advanced paramedic; if the requested information will be made available in tabular form on a regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20275/11]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has undergone significant change in order to ensure quality, safety and value for money. In line with other clinical areas, this process is ongoing as clinical needs and standards develop. I believe that these developments are in the best interests of patients, and that they are a key part of the Government's work to ensure high quality emergency care. Supported by my Department and by HIQA, the NAS is working to improve its services. This includes a reduction to two ambulance control centres nationally, with appropriate technology, a clinical lead for pre-hospital care, development and implementation of new performance indicators for pre-hospital care and development of standard national criteria in relation to non-emergency patient transport.

A relatively recent development to the NAS is the use of rapid response vehicles (RRVs). RRVs can be used to reach a scene more quickly than a standard ambulance. This allows the advanced paramedic to apply his or her training to determine the type of treatment and response required. There are four RRVs staffed by advanced paramedics on a 24 hour basis. They serve the Bantry, Nenagh, Ennis, Monaghan and Roscommon areas. There are a number of RRV resources in other parts of the country and these are deployed as required.

The HSE National Service Plan 2011 provides for a 24 hour RRV in the HSE Dublin Mid Leinster area. It is envisaged that the RRV will be in place by the end of the year. In addition to the RRVs, there are 3 Motorcycle Response Units (MRUs) serving the Dublin area, 7 days a week. In relation to the Deputy's question on advanced paramedics I have been advised by the NAS that the cost of training an AP is €127,000. The information the Deputy seeks regarding the number and deployment of APs is detailed in the attached spreadsheet.

Advanced Paramedics
Course 10Course 11Course 12Course 13Course 14Remainder on
RegionQualified AP s at 2009Finished Feb 10Finished July 10Finished Feb 11To finish W/C 4th July 2011Total APs July 2011Commenced April 2011Panels
North East17301223012
North West914221836
Midwest2031002405
West1600201830
East2903223605
Midland1241512302
South1343362918
South East1215212131
NATS81000900
TOTAL136171717142011039

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