THE CASE for the provision of a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in this country has been strengthened by the announcement last night that a £5 million investment package is available to get the service off the ground.

But those willing to fund the project are seeking tax relief on their investment from the Government.

Mulranny based GP, Dr. Jerry Cowley who is chairperson of the voluntary HEMS committee said they had investigated the possibility of obtaining funding for the project from alturistic companies and individuals.

He said: "We estimate that £5m would be available from such people if some type of tax relief was available.

"I think there is a perception that the provision of a HEMS service would be very expensive. In an overall health budget of £3.1 billion it's a pittance."

The committee propose the locating of HEMS helicopters at airport bases at Knock, Dublin, Cork and Belfast. They would be used to get speedy medical assistance to accident victims.

Ireland, Dr. Cowley said , is the only country in Europe without a dedicated HEMS service.

"We seem a HEMS service as am integral part of the co-ordinated pre-hospital transport service, not a replacement fro something that already exists.

We fully support the development of the ground ambulance system but ground ambulances cannot fly."

Likewise, he said, the Aer Corps who now undertake air ambulance flights were not a dedicated service.

The campaign for the provision of HEMS has been given a boost by a leading consultant neurosurgeon.

Mr. Jack Phillips who is attached to Beaumont Hospital has examined the number of people who had come to his unit from the West of Ireland and concluded that long term disability could be halved if all victims of trauma could reach him within the 'golden hour'.

A meeting of the HEMS committee tool place in Athlone yesterday (Tuesday) which was attended for the first time by representatives of the Aer Corps.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - December 1998