Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
394. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to helicopter emergency medical services being underequipped to safely lift patients; if he will consider introducing appropriate patient moving on handling devices on existing Bristow Ireland, AW 189 helicopters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn his capacity as Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, my colleague Seán Canney T.D, has responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.
Provision of day and night-time aeromedical services to the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is an integral and important element of the Coast Guard helicopter contract, and the communities served by this service can be assured of Government commitment to the continued, safe and effective operation of the service. In 2025, Coast Guard helicopters successfully conducted a total of 165 emergency medical transfers from the offshore islands, which a key element of an overall package of aeromedical flights in support of the Department of Health and the NAS.
The new fleet of AW189 helicopters are internationally proven SAR and HEMS (helicopter emergency medical services) helicopters. The two large side doors facilitate effective patient transfer, and the helicopters also use a new type of stretcher that can allow the patient, lying or sit-up position, to be adjusted, as may be necessary. The two-helicopter technical crew, (sometimes referred to as rear crew) are qualified to a minimum of paramedic level, an important element of patient care. These helicopters are designed to provide for casualty care and are extremely well equipped to provide these essential lifesaving and emergency patient transfer services.
The Shannon SAR base used the new AW 189 helicopter throughout 2025. The transition to the new Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service Contract was recently completed with the transfer of the Waterford base to the new contractor on 1 February, which was the fourth and final base to seamlessly transition to the new contract.
I can assure the Deputy that that all missions are reviewed, and any learnings are analysed and where necessary operating procedures and systems are updated as may be required. I have every confidence in the capability of the Coast Guard helicopters, to deliver in collaboration with the National Ambulance Service, safe and effective day and night time aeromedical support to the public using its fleet of six internationally proven AW 189 helicopters.
