Lives at risk without 24/7 advanced paramedic cover, says Kerrane

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane says that lives are being put at risk without 24/7 advanced paramedic in Roscommon as promised by Government when the A&E was closed in 2011.

Deputy Kerrane has repeatedly raised the issue of staffing in the local ambulance service.

“Advanced paramedics are the only ambulance personnel that can provide advanced life support,” she said.

“That is why a commitment was made after the A&E in Roscommon was closed that advanced paramedics would be rostered 24/7 and that they would be available on the rapid response vehicle.

“Quietly this commitment has been eroded over the last year and we no longer have advanced paramedics on a 24/7 basis out of the ambulance base in Roscommon.

“I have been raising this issue for almost a year now. It is unacceptable and people need to know what this means.” She said that advanced paramedics are critical, especially when patients are further away from their nearest emergency department.

“In serious cases, they simply can do more than a paramedic can, including being able to provide an additional 23 medications,” she said.

“For example, in a case of sepsis, which is a huge issue nationally, an advanced paramedic can administer IV antibiotics whereas a paramedic could only give paracetamol and oxygen.

“The commitment made to the people of Roscommon by Fine Gael and the HSE must be honoured and I will continue to raise this until it is.” She also said that it is her understandings that the number of APs in Roscommon has fallen significantly in recent years. The HSE was contacted for comment