Emergency Medical Response charity CRITICAL reported an increase in call-outs last year. There was a 45% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year.
CRITICAL is a Volunteer Emergency Medical Response charity, with a network of volunteer emergency medical responders across Ireland.
Donegal recorded the highest number of calls last year, with volunteers responding to 230 calls, followed by Waterford with 187 calls, Cork with 159 calls, and Tipperary with 119 calls.
The charity launched its new fleet of rapid-response cars in Waterford last year.
The doctors and community first responders work closely with the National Ambulance Service and are tasked to care for the sickest and most seriously injured patients.
Waterford-based Dr. Paul Campbell (pictured above: right) and Dr. Daragh Mathews are part of the Waterford team.
Dr Paul Campbell joined the charity in 2023. The Tyrone native has worked as a GP in Waterford City since 2012 and completed a Master's in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine from UCD.
Dr Daragh Mathews joined CRITICAL in 2021. He is a Specialist Registrar in Emergency Medicine at University Hospital Waterford.
Speaking to WLR News, CRITICAL CEO, David Tigh, says the numbers speak for themselves.
"What the numbers are saying to me is that Waterford possesses some dedicated and wonderful individuals who are prepared to go as volunteers at the most difficult of moments to help their fellow citizens.
"We are going to do it by hook or by crook. We are determined to continue to do what we do, however, we would like support from anyone be it corporate, TD's, Government, or individuals.
"We value any person who has offered support in the past. Our doctors are doing extraordinary things they are almost bringing the emergency department to the roadside.
"Our doctors are amazing people who are responding in their own time as volunteers to some of the most difficult situations in people's lives".
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