New ambulances required under European plan

NEW European standards for emergency vehicles mean some Irish ambulances will have to be replaced.

NEW European standards for emergency vehicles mean some Irish ambulances will have to be replaced.

The guidelines for medical and rescue vehicles are expected to be in force by the end of the year, according to former Southern Health Board chief ambulance officer, Capt Brian Phelan. He is the organiser of a rescue systems conference taking place this week in Blarney, Co Cork.

There are up to 400 health board ambulances in the Republic, he said. Once the new standard is introduced, it will be possible to upgrade some, but new vehicles will have to be purchased. An ambulance, without medical equipment, costs more than £45,000.

"We will be setting standards for ambulances that will have to operate in Scandinavian countries, Mediterranean countries and countries such as Ireland. The medical equipment will have to be up to all working conditions," Capt Phelan said. "At present Irish ambulances compare well with other countries but we are not at the top of the league."

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He said the new guidelines being discussed at the conference of the rescue systems sub committee of the European Committee for Standardisation cover ambulance engines, suspension, space to treat serious casualties and standards of comfort.

Capt Phelan said the guidelines, in draft form, should be issued by the summer.

The meeting, which more than 60 European delegates are attending, will also discuss the training of ambulance crews.