The country's first marine-ambulance emergency service was unveiled today.
Marine Ambulance Response Teams will work with the coastguard providing emergency care in transit to casualties at sea and on inland waterways nationwide.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, who launched the first team today, said: "This combination of the Irish coastguard and the HSE working together to provide a life-saving service will make a big difference in a marine emergency situation."
The team of trained coastguard and Health Service Executive (HSE) staff are skilled in dealing with major marine incidents, chemical decontamination, rope access, helicopter operations, and casualties trapped for long periods.
Frank McClintock, head of the HSE National Ambulance Service, said: "This is a very significant development. . . . Patients will start treatment before they reach hospital."