Call for rural communities to exercise care as activity increases

Tuesday, 1 June 2021 11:31

The Irish Community Air Ambulance and Macra na Feirme have teamed up to appeal to all rural communities to exercise care as activity in rural Ireland increases during the summer months.

Statistics from the Community Air Ambulance show that the summer months are the busiest for the heli-med service, with the highest number of callouts during 2020 occurring in July.

Road traffic accidents account for the most incidents, with farm accidents and falls from heights requiring a regular response from the Millstreet-based service.

There have been 38 farming-related taskings so far in 2021.

Speaking to RedFM News John Keane of Macra na Feirme says the summer season is one of busiest times on Irish farms and they are grateful that Irish Community Air Ambulance service can respond to an incident if needed.

"I think communities right across the southern half of the country are really lucky to have such a service and a team of volunteers who are willing to help.

"With the impending silage season, and the pressures there are on farmers, I think it's really important that safely farming and farming safety are hugely important.

"We're glad that the service is here and available to us"