Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether every local community should have trained first responders to hand in times of emergency in view of recent reports regarding delays in ambulance response times; if he will support measures to promote this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16910/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Community response in various forms has long been an important support in the delivery of healthcare in Ireland, and in particular in pre-hospital care. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the enormous voluntary contribution, commitment and assistance offered by First Responder schemes around the country, in responding to emergency calls over the years.

Community First Responder schemes comprise members of the public who volunteer to assist their local community by attending emergency calls within an agreed radius, and provide basic emergency care while an emergency response vehicle is en route to the patient. It is the local community who initiates the establishment of such a group and a local committee is usually formed to organise and implement its establishment. The local committee contacts the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and a formal process is undertaken to integrate the group within the NAS. Community First Responder schemes who have integrated with the NAS can avail of expert advice, clinical guidance and support including clinical indemnity, replacement of consumables, access to critical incident stress management support and management of clinical waste.

The Deputy may wish to note that the NAS supports the establishment of new groups around the country and encourages all communities to consider the establishment of such schemes in their areas.