Critical Care Ambulances are operated by the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance Service and staffed by the National Ambulance Service. They transport critically ill patients to bigger hospitals or to airports where they may be transported to other countries such as the UK.
The National Ambulance Service is responsible for providing an ambulance service for the people of Cork. They respond to all varieties of calls from having heart attacks to people being involved in major road collisions. They have a fleet of ambulances, ICVs, CCs and RRVs to help them complete their crucial role in keeping Cork safe.
These frontline ambulances respond to emergency 999 calls tasked by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Tallaght. These calls are prioritised in order of urgency. Emergency Ambulances are crewed by either two paramedics or 1 paramedic and 1 advanced paramedic. They carry all the necessary medications, CEN Stretcher, Vacuum Mattresses, Lifepak and a Spinal Board.
Intermediate Care Vehicles are crewed by two EMT’s. They carry enough room for two stretchers and are fitted with minimal blue lights. They transfer patients from hospital to hospital, hospital to home, hospital to hospice, etc. They can also respond to 999 calls if necessary and with correct support.
Critical Care Ambulances are operated by the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance Service and staffed by the National Ambulance Service. They transport critically ill patients to bigger hospitals or to airports where they may be transported to other countries such as the UK.
NAS operated a variety of Response Vehicles. Rapid Response Vehicles are based in ambulance stations and are staffed by one Advanced Paramedic to respond to major calls in which ambulances may need backup or whereby immediate intervention before the arrival of the ambulance is required. Officer Response Vehicles are staffed by a Senior Officer and play a similar role. Some officers also respond from home while off duty. Response Vehicles in NAS currently include Hyundai i40s, Hyundai Tucsons, Ford Rangers, Ford Mondeos, Subaru Foresters and more.
A motorcycle response unit has recently been setup in Cork City. Previously the service had been available only in Dublin. They operate a fleet of BMW R1200RT Motorcycles. These bikes can help Paramedic Solo Responders gain access to tight areas whereby larger vehicles may not fit and can arrive prior to an ambulance to administer critical care. Currently there is one bike based in Cork with many more in Dublin.