Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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103. To ask the Minister for Health the protocol and criteria for the deployment of the HEMS aeromedical service operated by the Irish Air Corps; the corresponding protocol and criteria for the deployment of the Irish Coast Guard aeromedical support service to the national ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43332/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) Service is targeted at seriously ill or injured patients, where the transit time by road from the patient's location to an appropriate facility may not be clinically advisable. The service is operated by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and the Air Corps, from Custume Barracks in Athlone. It operates seven days a week in daylight hours. In addition, the Irish Coast Guard provides reserve capacity from across its bases, if required.

The EAS is tasked following a request for assistance by ground ambulance personnel, and assessment and triaging of that request by the NAS National Aeromedical Control Centre. The EAS has completed over 800 missions to date, including the transfer of over 240 STEMI-type heart attack patients to cardiac catheter treatment centres.

I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly concerning the details of EAS operational and clinical protocols and criteria. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.