THE AIR AMBULANCE Service based out of Custume Barracks in Athlone has performed over 100 missions since the service was established last June.

Today Independent TD Denis Naughten said that the frequency of call-outs clearly highlights the importance of this service to communities throughout the midlands and west.

“It again highlights the need for the establishment of a national helicopter emergency service which could transport patients directly from the scene of an accident to a major trauma centre.

Naughten said such a service can support smaller hospital facilities by ensuring that patients who would more appropriately be treated in major regional centres can access the specialist treatment in a timely manner.

Alan Shatter has said that the government intends to review the operation of the air ambulance service in the first half of 2013 and Naughten said he hopes that the service will be enhanced and expanded through the use of a second helicopter based at another location.

Read: Ambulance cuts “putting lives at risk”>

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