Sligo among locations being considered as base for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Cllr Edel McSharry has welcomed confirmation from the National Ambulance Service that Sligo Airport is under consideration along with other sites in the west northwest as a base for the proposed North-West Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), which will serve Sligo, Donegal, and Leitrim. The proposed North-West service aims to supplement existing Coast Guard capabilities, ensuring faster, more specialised critical care for patients in rural areas.

Currently operating in Cork and Athlone, HEMS provides advanced pre-hospital care and hospital-to-hospital retrievals, led by highly trained specialist paramedics. The North-West service is intended to supplement existing Air Corps and Coast Guard services, improving response times and patient outcomes, particularly in rural communities.

At the recent Regional Health Forum West Northwest, Cllr McSharry asked critical questions on the service model, site selection, and coverage.

In response, B. McGovern, General Manager of the National Ambulance Service West and North West, confirmed the service is currently Advanced Paramedic (Specialist HEMS) led, with ongoing reviews to assess potential updates.

It was also stated multiple locations in the West and North-West including Sligo Airport are under review, including sites with existing aviation infrastructure, and operational, logistical, and population coverage criteria are being applied.

Highlighting the suitability of Sligo as a base, Cllr McSharry said, "It is vital that Sligo is strongly considered for this service. The airport offers existing hangars, 24-hour operations, and quick access to rural communities. Combined with the Coast Guard A189 Search and Rescue helicopter services, a HEMS base here could significantly improve outcomes for patients across the North-West, especially in our most remote areas.

“The North-West HEMS represents a major enhancement of emergency care, ensuring that patients in rural areas receive specialist care faster and closer to home.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.