The North Cork based Irish Community Air Ambulance experienced it's busiest year since it's launch after it was tasked to over 500 missions in 14 counties last year
The organisation, which is Ireland’s only charity-funded Air Ambulance, works in partnership with the National Ambulance Service and responds to serious incidents and medical emergencies from its base in Rathcool
Each helicopter mission costs an average of €3,500, all of which has to be raised or donated.
Speaking to RedFM News CEO of the Irish Community Air Ambulance, Micheál Sheridan says the increased number of taskings during 2021 show they provide a vital service.
“The HSE is releasing funding to private Ambulance firms to provide support during the continuing crisis yet the Irish Community Air Ambulance is still entirely funded by public donations. The increased number of taskings during 2021 show that we provide a vital service. The cost to run the charity during 2022 is expected to be €2.1 million which is a significant amount of money to raise. We are so grateful to all our supporters who help us to bring hope to those in emergency situations but we will continue to engage with the Government to provide funding during these uncertain times.”
