Government jet doubles as air ambulance six times in year
A Government jet has been transformed into an air ambulance six times this year for critical medical missions, it emerged today.
The Defence Forces revealed its Air Corps has been involved in 44 urgent cases in recent months.
In the last week alone a sick child was flown from England to Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin while lifesaving organs have also been transported between hospitals.
The Defence Forces said the Health Service Executive (HSE) requests a crew when time and speed is critical for saving a life.
“The Air Corps gives the HSE an option that can save lives,” said Captain Pat O’Connor, Defence Forces spokesman.
“In these operations, most of the time, the critical factor is time.
“They can move people fast, safely and without the need for these patients to move through commercial flights and airports.”
Aircraft are quickly fitted with full life support equipment and a medic brought on board.
Records show the Air Corps, which is on standby 24 hours a day, completed: 133 flying hours on medical cases so far this year.
Missions included eight neo-natal cases, 11 organ retrievals and 25 inter hospital transfers.
The Government Learjet was used six times, the maritime patrol Casa plane in nine cases, and the AW139 helicopter 24 times.
Last year more than 250 hours of flying time were completed in 87 air ambulance missions, which included removing two injured people from islands.
While this civil community support has been ongoing for years, a formal agreement signed with the Department of Health and Children in November 2007 covers the emergency transfer of patients between hospitals in Ireland and the UK.
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London is a frequent destination.
The Air Corps said it covers a wide range of roles including Presidential and ministerial transport, Garda air support, and military transport.
Elsewhere, it is on standby for major incidents, like the Navan bus crash a couple of years ago where a number of helicopters were offered but were not subsequently needed.
The Learjet can also be used for strategic evacuations on military missions abroad.
