L - R Vincent Kelly (Operations Resource Manager, National Ambulance Service), Phil Swords, John Nally (Advanced Paramedic, National Ambulance Service), Joseph Swords, Therese Jackson (Advanced Paramedic, National Ambulance Service), Bruce McCormack (Paramedic, National Ambulance Service) and Willi

Edenderry man praises ambulance service

An Edenderry man has thanked the National Ambulance Service after its quick action saw him rushed to Beaumont Hospital earlier this year when he was in need of surgery.  

On March 15 last Joe Swords experienced severe chest pains while on a taxi call. His family doctor in Edenderry contacted the National Ambulance Service, and an ambulance arrived at the surgery within four minutes.

Still unstable, the Emergency Aeromedical Service stepped in and transferred Joe from the GAA grounds in Edenderry to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. While Joe’s family were travelling to the hospital by road, Joe was in surgery getting a blockage in his main artery removed.

By the time his family arrived, Joe was already in the recovery room. In recent weeks Joe and his family met with the staff of the National Ambulance Service and the Emergency Aeromedical Service to thank them for the great work they do.

Meanwhile this week Edenderry councillor Noel Bourke said the ambulance service is currently in contact with management at Ofalia House in Edenderry about securing additional accommodation in the building to enable a 24/7 ambulance service for the area.

Cllr Bourke said there is ample room in a building adjacent to the present ambulance room, which will not interfere in any way with additional beds in Ofalia House should the Minister and the HSE agree to fund them.

“This is a welcome development and it is expected that it will be finalised in the coming weeks,” the councillor said.