A union representing paramedics has said there have been “several similar incidents” to yesterday’s ambulance explosion outside Naas General Hospital that killed a patient and injured two paramedics.
Siptu health division organiser Paul Bell said: “It is of deep concern that despite several similar incidents our ambulance representatives have never been fully informed as to the original cause of other such fires.
“While the vehicle involved should be subjected to a full Garda forensic and technical examination to determine the cause of this incident, our members believe the entire fleet should also be examined for potentially fatal defects.”
HSE director general Tony O’Brien, however, insisted last night the incident was “entirely unprecedented”. He confirmed that all ambulances in the fleet are designed identically and that they remain in use. A “safety action notice” was however issued to ensure all oxygen is checked.
Safety checks
“All of our ambulance fleet is the same,” he said. “This is why we’ve issued a safety action notice. Obviously no motor vehicle of any kind can be described as 100 per cent safe. At this point we’re taking the steps we consider prudent. That’s why the suppliers of our equipment are carrying out a programme of checks on all equipment.”
It is understood the ambulance had just pulled in at the hospital, and one of the paramedics was at the rear of the vehicle, climbing on the entrance ramp, when the explosion occurred.
That individual sustained injuries while his colleague was injured trying to get the patient out of the back of the ambulance.
“We have an immediate concern that oxygen may have played a part in this and, for that reason, we have issued a safety action notice throughout our ambulance service and we’ve arranging for all oxygen equipment to be immediately checked,” said Mr O’Brien.
Ambulance personnel
“We’re not saying that’s the cause, but we’re concerned it may be, and it’s prudent that we carry out these checks at this time.”
The ambulance involved in the incident was registered in 2015 and had been in service less than a year.
“Two ambulance personnel were also injured in this, and I’m pleased to say they’re doing well,” said Mr O’Brien. “They acted very heroically, as did staff here at Naas General Hospital, in dealing with what was an entirely unprecedented situation.
“The fire, or the small explosion as I should describe it, occurred towards the rear of the ambulance. As a result, most of the ambulance has been destroyed. Unfortunately, the paramedic staff were unable to rescue their patient and that is why he has died today.”
Minister for Health Simon Harris visited the hospital last night to extend his sympathies to the family of the patient who was killed.
“Like all of us, I was numb when I heard about this terrible tragedy,” he said. “I also wanted to support the incredible efforts of the staff in Naas General Hospital on what was an extremely difficult and upsetting day.”
Dublin Midlands Hospital Group chief executive Dr Susan O’Reilly said one of the paramedics was discharged from hospital last night, while the other was kept under observation but was in a stable condition.
She also acknowledged staff at Naas General Hospital who “responded swiftly” to ensure the safe evacuation of the emergency department.
