Is it acceptable to use the Ambulance Service as a taxi?

Ambulance services nationwide are increasingly strained by calls that are not genuine medical emergencies. Some individuals misuse ambulances as a free taxi service, calling for transport after a night out and leaving the hospital without treatment.

This abuse diverts critical resources, delays responses to real emergencies, and places additional pressure on paramedics, affecting their ability to provide timely and effective care.

What needs to be done to tackle this, and how does this impact paramedics trying to do their job?

Joining Andrea to discuss this is Angie Baily, Councillor in Tralee, David Hall, CEO of Lifeline Ambulance, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association and more.