Seven RRVs and managers’ cars back-up for emergencies

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey outlined the emergency response provision following a question from SDLP MLA Pól Callaghan who asked for details of the number of RRVs available in the area.

The Minister revealed there were seven RRVs covering the NIAS western division, which is roughly the same area as the Western Trust.

He was also asked how many other emergency response vehicles in total were available to respond to medical emergencies in the area.

The Health Minister advised there were 57 other vehicles and that this included A&E ambulances as well as vehicles for non-emergency patient care services, emergency planning, training, NIAS doctors and local/divisional managers which are also available for emergency response if necessary.

He warned: “It is important to note that the data do not show the number of crewed emergency response vehicles deployed at any given time.”