HSE WEST DEFENDS LONG AMBULANCE JOURNEYS FOR GALWAY PATIENTS

Date Published: 06-Oct-2008

The HSE is defending the length of ambulance trips for Galway patients in rural areas. Concerns were raised today over a 70 minute average ambulance trip from Clifden.This is despite international recommendations that the first 60 minutes after an emergency medical incident are described as the golden hour.The HSE West says their ambulance crews who respond to a call out in a remote area will clearly be aware they'll have a longer distance to travel to transfer the patient to hospital. Their response at the scene is therefore vital and they must ensure the patient is stablised and properly prepared and cared for during the journey. The HSE West claims this preparation time, depending on the incident, can take longer in some instances than others.