New figures show 'crucial role' of air ambulance service in Laois

There were over twenty live saving missions made by the Air Ambulance Service in Laois last year, according to new figures released this week. 

The vital role played by the Emergency Aeromedical Service has been highlighted by Laois TD Willie Aird.

Figures provided by the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris reveal that nationally 652 missions took place in 2024 with a total of 22 in Laois. 

The Air Ambulance responds to a wide variety of critical incidents across Ireland. Missions frequently involve significant trauma resulting from falls, road traffic collisions as well as medical emergencies.

The service provides rapid transport for patients of all ages, often to major trauma centres or specialist units in Dublin, such as Beaumont, Tallaght, and CHI Crumlin.

The geographical spread covers numerous counties, demonstrating the national reach of the service.

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Deputy Aird said: “I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the team in our air ambulance service, that make such a difference to communities across the country, including our own county Laois. 

“These figures demonstrate the crucial role that the air ambulance service plays in providing rapid medical response to critical situations, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

“This is a service that has saved lives and has been a gamechanger for both Rural and Urban Ireland.

“It’s a service that has ensured some of our sickest patients received emergency care at the most critical of periods. It’s a service too that is provided 365 days of the year - making such an incredible difference to so many families the length and breadth of our State.”