A six-month Civil Defence pilot programme which will enable volunteers to provide a higher level of medical cover to paramedic level, will involve Civil Defence units in Kilkenny, Laois and Wexford.
Upon completion of pilot programme, the aim will be to set up a national strategy and potential expansion across other local authorities. Announcing the new initiative, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, said that the aim of the pilot is to enhance the medical response capability of Civil Defence volunteers in their local communities.
“I have seen at first-hand how the Civil Defence continues to upskill and professionalise the provision of its service, while retaining its volunteer ethos. This is another example of how Civil Defence continues to enhance its skillset and service to the community and I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot in at the end of the summer.”
With Wexford set to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August, this new level of medical cover will be of immediate benefit to Wexford Civil Defence, where volunteers will now be able to provide a higher level of medical cover to spectators at the event.
With immediate effect, qualified Civil Defence Volunteers involved in the pilot programme will be able to administer medications up to and including paramedic level. The three Civil Defence units meet the agreed criteria to hold Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) Registration.
