It adds to Ireland's aeromedical services.
Ireland is to benefit from a new dedicated funded air ambulance service.
The National Ambulance Service has added two helicopters to its fleet after signing contracts with Gulf Med Aviation.
The aircraft will be based in Rathcoole, in North Cork for deployment in the South West of the country.
Meet the newest members of the National Ambulance Service! These emergency medical service helicopters will be operated by Gulf Med Aviation on behalf of the NAS out of Rathcool, Co Cork. pic.twitter.com/8FibtsAN0s
— National Ambulance Service 🇮🇪🚑 (@AmbulanceNAS) February 18, 2023
Up until now, the base had been used by the Irish Community Air Ambulance, which earlier in the month announced it will step back from providing the service.
Instead, the charity now named 'CRITICAL' will focus more on providing critical care on the ground.
Already, the National Ambulance Service, in partnership with the Irish Air Corps, operate an air ambulance out of Athlone, which will continue.
While the Irish Coast Guard helicopters based in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford and Dublin will also continue to support medevac operations across the country.
