A typical Medicall CEN Certified Ambulance
Air suspension delivers unparalleled patient comfort on rural roads
Medicall Ambulance
One of the Renault Master ambulances in our Fleet
A First Responder Preparing to Defibrillate a Patient.
When time is of the essence - a high standard of training can make a real difference.
The Medicall Ambulance Fleet
Medicall Ambulance Service operates a full range of versatile vehicles from fully equipped emergency frontline ambulances to patient transport service (PTS) vehicles and specialised transport units.
Our modern fleet of frontline ambulances are fully equipped to the highest recommended national standards and are the subject of regular audits and inspections by the various private health insurers and statutory agencies.
- All vehicles are fitted with digital forward facing driving cameras for safety.
- 100% of the fleet is dynamically tested and 'certified' to CEN 1789/2000 Standard*
- 100% of our fleet is fitted with air conditioning for patient comfort.
- 100% of the fleet is fitted with air suspension for safety and patient comfort.**
- All vehicles are under 5 years old.
- All vehicles are equipped with EURO 4 & 5 turbo diesel engines - the latest eco-friendly engines available.
Our ambulances are designed and built in Europe to our own unique and exacting specifications. The versatility of this 'fit-out' permits us to transport incubators, intra-aortic balloon pumps and other, often difficult to transport, items of medical equipment safely and securely.
Every one of our vehicles is fitted with an inverter, providing an on-board 220/240v power supply. This feature, unique to Medicall Ambulance, allows the use of standard hospital equipment such as ventilators, incubators, suction units, infusion pumps, etc. during a transport. Knowing this, our client hospitals' Clinicians routinely engage us to transfer seriously ill patients with the peace of mind that comes from using standard hospital equipment they know and are familiar with.
Our fleet of vehicles are maintained by authorised dealers. Full preventative maintenance ensures reliability of service and increased safety for our patients and staff.
Recent Developments:
Medicall Ambulance has recently placed orders for four new Renault Master ambulances for delivery in late 2012. These ambulances will be among the first to be registered in Ireland under the recently introduced EU Regulations on Vehicle Type Approval (see here for details: RSA Website). Medicall Ambulance has operated Renault ambulances in its fleet for many years. They have proven themselves to be economical and highly reliable in service with us. They will feature all of the patient safety and comfort equipment common to our existing fleet.
*Medicall Ambulance Service is the only ambulance service in Ireland to operate a CEN (EN 1789/2000) 'certifed' fleet of ambulances.
**All vehicles are fitted with air-suspension allowing a smooth and comfortable journey especially over longer distances.
Questions & Answers
Useful Contacts
Air Ambulance Services
Health Information & News Sites:
Citizens Information - Ambulance Services
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC)
Paramedic Training Programme – USA
MedlinePlus - Health Information (US Site - Drug names may vary)
National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)
Revenue Commissioners - Health/Medical Tax Relief
Ambulance & Equipment Suppliers
WAS Ambulance Designers Germany
Gruau Ambulance Designers France
Principal Irish Private Health Insurers
Selection of Irish Private Healthcare Providers
Bon Secours Hospitals (inc. Galway, Cork & Tralee)
Mount Carmel Medical Group (inc. Aut Even, Kilkenny & St. Joseph’s Sligo)
Hints & Tips
Hints & Tips:
Q When I hire an ambulance what can I expect?
A: The ambulance and crew should be fit-for-purpose, spotlessly clean and all patient comfort equipment, including heaters and ventilation, should be in good working order. The ambulance should arrive on time and the crew should seek to be properly briefed by nursing staff or family members on the condition of the patient when they arrive. They may elect to assess the patient prior to transport.
Q: Are the crew properly qualified?
A: All ambulance crews are obliged to carry their PHECC Registered Practitioners Licence under the terms of private health insurance contracts. You should feel free to ask to see it. Picture identification should also be prominently displayed.
Q: Is the vehicle fit-for-purpose?
A: Generally, the ambulance must conform to the lower of the European CEN1789/2000 standards – i.e. it must be ‘compliant’, less than 6 years old and have travelled less than 100,000 miles. If in doubt ask the operator for documentary evidence.
Q: Is the operator properly approved?
A: All ambulance operators offering services to the public, of whatever nature, must be accredited to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council. Check the PHECC website (www.phecit.ie) for details. There could be public liability issues if your operator is not accredited.
Q: Are you dissatisfied with the service provided?
A: Remember, in almost all cases, you have a choice of ambulance operator. Raise your concerns with the operator in the first instance. If you are still unhappy, take the matter up with your health insurance company. If you don’t complain the problems you encountered will persist!
Q: What about the cost?
A: Costs will obviously vary between operators and will depend on time and distance. Check if your operator has a base near you – this will substantially reduce your costs. Local trips may be less expensive than you might expect.
Q Can I claim from my Private Health Insurance?
A: Private health insurers cover many typical ambulance transports. An ambulance operator will tell you immediately if you are covered or not. Even if your insurer does not cover the transport, the cost can normally be offset against your tax liabilities.
Q: A relative has been discharged from an A&E / Hospital Ward how do I get them home quickly?
A: In the current environment a public ambulance may not be available immediately to carry out the transfer. In many cases a private ambulance may be available earlier, for non-emergency transports only.
Why not contact Medicall Ambulance on 1890 666 999 to see if we can help?
EMT Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often do you run EMT courses?
A. 3-4 times a year mostly in Dublin
Q. What are the job opportunities like?
A. once qualified you must register with PHECC where you will receive your accreditation, you can then apply for jobs with the HSE or any of the Private Ambulance services
Medicall does not garentee jobs but will keep student records on file and call them to interview if EMT’s are required for there Ambulance Service.
Q Does the EMT qualification allow me to work abroad?
A you may have to look for equalisation in the country you are wishing to work in.
Q. I am unemployed can I get funding for this course?
A. Since the fist Jan 2012 Technical Employment support grants (TESG) are looking after this by the Social Services, you will need to contact them and see if you Qualify. There is also the European Grant Funding unit where you can also approach.
Q Do I have to pay the full fee all at once or can I pay in stages?
A A non refundable booking deposit of €500 is required to secure your place then a payment plan can be drawn up to suit you. All payments must be made by the end of the course.
Q. When do the 40hr clinical placements take place
A. Placements will take place during the course period and will be divided into 4 10hr shifts on one of Medicall Ambulances. The days for placements are very flexible and we try to facilitate students who are working.
Q. are there any pre-requisits to do this course?
A. there are no pre-course requirements as this course will bring you through from the very beginning.
