Rapid response vehicle to save lives in Meath
A rapid response vehicle, dedicated to medical emergencies in County Meath was launched last week – and is already saving lives across the county.
The service is being coordinated by Irish Community Rapid Response (ICRR) and involves volunteer doctors, working alongside frontline emergency services, to respond to time critical life-threatening emergencies.
The state-of-the-art vehicle is a Renault Kadjar Crossover, generously donated by Renault Ireland, and is currently based in the Trim area with GP Dr Niall Conroy.
“The ICRR rapid response service will be working alongside the National Ambulance Service. Volunteer doctors will be tasked via the 999/112 call system at the National Emergency Operations Centre to attend serious life-threatening emergencies.
“ICRR Doctors may be able to reach patients within the ‘golden hour’, bringing medical skills and experience to make a critical difference,” Dr Conroy said.
ICRR CEO John Kearney said this was very positive for families and communities in Meath. He highlighted that the service is not only clinically effective, but also voluntary. 
Dr Niall Conroy at the launch of the rapid response vehicle for Meath
“ICRR has nine Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV's) nationwide, including the one now specifically dedicated to County Meath. We are calling on the community to join us on our journey with this voluntary life-saving effort.
“We are calling on the people of County Meath to support this voluntary service and to help us save lives by raising vital funds to keep this service operating in the community. For information on how you can help, or to discuss further please contact us.”
Since 2008, ICRR has been developing a network of over 200 volunteer doctors throughout Ireland who can be called on to deliver critical medical interventions which prevent serious injury or death. This number is set to rise to 250 volunteer doctors this year.
ICRR’s ambition is, working with the goodwill of Doctors and coordination of the HSE, to deliver the service nationwide.
The bespoke emergency vehicle was officially launched on Tuesday of last week by the Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Councillor Gerry O’Connor who thanked the volunteer ICRR doctors.
“This is a fantastic and entrepreneurial initiative and great win for Co Meath. To maintain this service and develop it into the future, I am encouraging our communities to support ICRR who will be working to grow awareness and understanding of the service. You never know when it might be your family member who needs life-saving rapid care,” Cllr O’Connor said.
ICRR was founded in 2008 and was a winning project at the 2013 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards, presented by President Michael D Higgins.
ICRR thanked the many frontline service providers who attended the launch and also Meath Senior footballer Mickey Burke who attended to give support on behalf of Meath GAA.