Footballer's three hour wait for ambulance in Kildare
Local volunteers praised for providing vital care
Concerns have been raised over ambulance response times after a soccer player waited three hours for one after sustaining an injury.
Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has highlighted ambulance response times in the county because the player waited for three hours following a serious injury during a match at Crosschapel, near Blessington.
The incident occurred during a match involving Blessington AFC’s O35s team. The player suffered a serious injury and an ambulance was called.
“Firstly, I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the Blessington Community First Responder Unit. Brian and Dave provided vital care, reassurance and support during an extremely difficult situation, and their commitment to their community is hugely appreciated.
“However, three hours is simply far too long for somebody with a serious injury to be waiting for an ambulance. While the first responders were able to provide essential support, they should not be expected to bridge gaps in our ambulance service. They are there to complement emergency services, not replace them,” said Deputy Whitmore.
Dep Whitmore said the incident raises wider questions about ambulance availability and emergency response times in west Wicklow, particularly for communities outside the larger population centres.
“West Wicklow has experienced significant population growth in recent years, and emergency services need to have the capacity to meet the needs of the communities they serve.”
Deputy Whitmore said the incident demonstrates the need for a closer examination of ambulance provision across the county.
“I will be writing to the Minister for Health to raise this incident directly and to seek information on ambulance response times and the level of ambulance cover available in west Wicklow. I will also be calling for increased access to ambulance services across the county so that people can receive emergency medical assistance when they need it.”
Dep Whitmore said nobody who suffers a serious injury should have to spend three hours 2waiting for an ambulance.
People in Wicklow deserve to have confidence that when they call for emergency medical assistance, the resources will be there to respond,” Deputy Whitmore concluded.