-
-
Author: Our Reporter
~ 4 minutes read
The Aran Islands last week welcomed delivery of a new ambulance – and a highly qualified new group of volunteer islanders to improve emergency response services on the islands.
The group of volunteer islanders received Emergency First Responder Certificates and Emergency Services Driving Certificates from the HSE’s National Ambulance Service (NAS) at a special presentation held at the Community Hall on Inis Mór.
The volunteers, co-ordinated by Ronan Mac Giollapharaic, recently completed the Emergency First Responder course and Level One of the Emergency Services Driving Certificate and were presented with their certificates by John Joe McGowan, NAS General Manager Operations – West and Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer (REO), HSE West and North West.
The event also marked the delivery of a new ambulance vehicle to the island to replace an older vehicle.
The new vehicle was supplied by NAS which has made a significant investment in training and equipping the islanders as part of our planning for medical emergencies.
Tony Canavan, REO, HSE West and North West told guests that the country’s health services are going through a significant change at the moment, ‘and hopefully significant improvement as well’.
“I think one of the things that really strikes me is that it’s not going to be possible for the HSE to make those improvements and to continue to deliver care in the way that we want to if we try do it on our own, we must do it in a partnership way,” he said.
“And this is an example of how our health services can achieve progress; when hospital, community and the national ambulance services come together and work with the broader community to provide healthcare at the right time and in the right place.
“By working in partnership with islands and with communities such as Inis Mór, we can extend the reach of healthcare. It’s a good example of not just presenting services to people on a take it or leave it basis but working actively with people as partners in their own healthcare,” he added.
John Joe McGowan, NAS General Manager Operations – West, expressed his delight at presenting Emergency First Responder Certificates to the group.
“They are making a real difference on this island and the National Ambulance Service is delighted to support them and all their work as First Responders providing assistance to their fellow islanders and visitors to Inis Mór when they need it. They are a very valuable resource and deserve great credit for their efforts,” he said.
He also said that the provision of a new ambulance on the island was very welcome and that it was a valuable resource for the entire community.
Speaking on behalf of the Inis Mór Emergency First Responders group Ronan Mac Giollapharaic thanked the National Ambulance Service for all the support it has given to the group and he very much welcomed the arrival of our new ambulance.
“It is great to be involved with the EFR group and I want to thank each and every one of the volunteers for the work they do and for becoming involved,” he added.
And fittingly Aran’s retired GP Dr Marion Broderick accepted a certificate of appreciation from NAS to the local community acknowledging the many years of voluntary service islanders have given to support the emergency services.
Pictured at the official handover of Aran’s new ambulance were (from left) John McShane, Community First Responder Officer; Irene Scully, Assistant Staff Officer; Brian Crammer, Training Officer; Johnny Dicker, Head of Service Fleet and Assets; Gabriel Glynn, Operational Support & Resilience Manager; Bridin McGowan, Ambulance Officer; JJ McGowan, General Manager Operations – West; Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West; Christine Boyle, Business Support and Ivan O’Grady, Training Officer.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune:
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
More like this:
Kylemore tops – but down on visitors
There was a dramatic drop in numbers visiting Galway’s top hot spot last year when nearly a milli...
Best Buddies – Weather fails to dampen spirit of walkers along the Prom
The weather was not the best – but it could not dampen the spirits of all those who came out to t...
Galway United stars of the past play their part for old colleagues
He may have made his name playing with a slightly bigger ball but, proving that class is permanen...
Scoil Samhraidh an Phiarsaigh delves into history, folklore, sport and dance
Words and photo: Seán Ó Mainnín History, debate, folklore, sport and dance were some of the in...
Software company hosts Volunteering Recognition Day with Junior Achievement Ireland
A leading developer of mathematical computing software with offices in Galway, held its Volunteer...
Hundreds of volunteers turn out for Galway’s Big Beach Clean Weekend
An impressive three tonnes of litter were removed by over 500 volunteers across County Galway dur...
St Thomas’ stay on track in bid to make hurling history
St. Thomas’ 2-21 Craughwell 1-13 By Eanna O’Reilly at Kenny Park DEFENDING champions St....
Cars take back seat as bus plan passed
The BusConnects Cross-City Link has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála — the first major...
Connacht rise from the dead for stunning bonus point win
Connacht 36 Sharks 30 By JOHN FALLON at Dexcom Stadium CONNACHT have certainly been the ...