Minister confirms Coast Guard stretcher concerns are being addressed

By Róise Collins

CONCERNS regarding the use of stretchers aboard the new Coast Guard helicopter service are being addressed, the Dáil has heard.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, was responding to Donegal TD Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher, who raised the concerns of island communities during a Dáil debate on Tuesday.

“Our island communities are extremely worried that the helicopter services that will be provided going forward may not be as good as those provided over the last number of years because there is to be a change in the type of helicopter providing the services.

“There are concerns that stretchers may not fit into helicopters as they have in the past,” said Deputy Gallagher.

In April of this year, Bristow Ireland, the newly appointed Coast Guard operator, was notified by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) that the stretcher in use was not yet fully certified for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) activity.

Minister Canney assured Deputy Gallagher that the issue was being addressed by Bristow Ireland.

“The IAA directive relates only to the use of stretchers on board HEMS missions and the decision, therefore, has no impact on the delivery of primary Coast Guard aviation services, most notably search and rescue activities. This temporary HEMS stretcher restriction only applies to the Shannon base and the Coast Guard continues to provide nationwide HEMS support to the HSE and the NAS from its bases at Sligo, Waterford and Dublin,” said Minister Canney.

A spokesperson for Bristow Ireland confirmed to the Donegal News that a specialist modification is already in progress, and they expect full HEMS stretcher capability at Shannon to be restored shortly.

“Full HEMS coverage continues to be available to the Irish Coast Guard through the wider network of four Irish SAR bases,” they added.

Minister Canney added that they will not allow any risk to be taken in a rush to meet contractual deadlines, as the Coast Guard transitions from CHC Ireland.

“I reiterate that during this transition phase, a continued safe, efficient and effective aviation service is the overarching priority for the Government,” he said.

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