LEAD

DUBLIN FIRE RESCUE EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE

DUBLIN FIRE RESCUE EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE

PROTECTING THE CITY AND COUNTY SINCE 1862

Protecting The City & County Since 1862

Editor: Adam Hyland

Contributors: Adam Hyland

Creative Director: Jane Matthews

Designer: Neasa Daly

Cover Credit: Irish Civil Defence

Photography: An Garda Síochána, Road Safety Authority, Dublin Fire Brigade, HSE, NAS, Coast Guard, Óglaigh na hÉireann/Irish Defence Forces, Óglaigh Naisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), Civil Defence, Gallery Books, New Island, O’Brien Press, Simon & Schuster, iStock, Shutterstock.

Production Executive: Claire Kiernan

Publisher: Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West Industrial Estate, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9.

Tel: (01) 432 2200

Fax: (01) 676 6043

Managing Director: Gerry Tynan

Chairman: Diarmaid Lennon

Publisher’s Statement: the Publisher.

The information in Ambulance Ireland is carefully researched and believed to be accurate and authoritative, but the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Statements and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher.

Copyright ©Ashville Media Group Ltd.

Dear readers,

Welcome to the 2023 edition of Ambulance Ireland. As always, we bring you the latest news and features covering Ireland’s medical and emergency services sectors, as well as interesting and inspiring stories from our frontline personnel and from around the globe.

The last few years have presented exceptional challenges to all emergency service and frontline personnel, and we must remember that a huge amount of thanks must go to those people who help keep us safe.

Although Ireland thankfully doesn’t see the same level of wildfires that other countries face, they do still happen, and as the global climate heats up, they are likely to become more common. With this in mind, it is good to know that within our capital, Dublin Fire Brigade has the expertise to handle such situations, as is shown in our look back at the major wildfire event that occurred last July in Dalkey. As our feature shows, quick thinking, valuable experience, technology and hard work meant there was no loss of life and minimal damage to property. Well done to all DFB members involved!

The Civil Defence plays an important role in keeping us safe in times of emergency, and their ever-expanding team brings a range of expertise to the vital roles they play. I was delighted to talk to Shane Quinn and Karen Kelly about their involvement, and to hear about the K-9 Unit that brings a particular set of skills to rescue and recovery operations. Their work is to be applauded.

In this issue, we take a look at the brilliant new campaign by Óglaigh Naisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), a charity that assists veterans in need. Their ‘Hope Couture’ clothing campaign is raising awareness and much-needed funds to help veterans who have served their country but now find themselves without a home. We look at the idea behind the campaign and hear from the veterans who modelled the range and were happy to tell their stories of how the charity helped them.

We also take a look at another busy year for the Defence Forces and the Coast Guard to see just what is involved in protecting us and keeping us safe on land and at sea.

Elsewhere, we look at the latest road safety stats and campaigns, see what’s involved in a DFB recruitment campaign and a new Pathfinder initiative for emergency care at home, report on the worrying rise in domestic violence, and see what’s new in the world of emergency services technology.

Best wishes,

EDITOR’S PICKS

30

FIRE ON THE HILL DFB’s Killiney Wildfire Operation

40

TAKING THE LEAD The Civil Defence K9 Unit