EMERGENCY SERVICES

Voluntary Emergency Response Expansion in Leinster

A new partnership between Dublin Airport Fire & Rescue Service, the National Ambulance Service, and CRITICAL is boosting emergency medical volunteer response across Leinster.

February 7, 2026 4 min read
Voluntary Emergency Response Expansion in Leinster

In a significant development for emergency medical care across the Leinster region, Dublin Airport Fire & Rescue Service (DAFRS), the National Ambulance Service (NAS), and the medical charity CRITICAL have joined forces to expand volunteer-led emergency response capabilities.

This partnership aims to strengthen first response networks, reduce emergency response times, and provide life-saving medical intervention to communities across Leinster, particularly in areas where ambulance services may face delays.

A Groundbreaking Partnership

The collaboration brings together three key players in Ireland's emergency response ecosystem. Dublin Airport Fire & Rescue Service, known for its rapid response capabilities and advanced medical training, will provide expertise and support to volunteer first responders across the region.

The National Ambulance Service will integrate these volunteer responders into the wider emergency medical system, ensuring seamless coordination during critical incidents. CRITICAL, a registered charity dedicated to providing volunteer emergency medical response, will coordinate training and deployment of community first responders.

Together, these organisations are building a more robust and responsive emergency medical network that can reach patients faster, particularly during peak demand periods or in rural areas where traditional ambulance response may be delayed.

Key Benefits for Communities

Faster Response Times

Community-based volunteers can reach patients within minutes, providing critical care while ambulances are en route.

Expanded Coverage

Rural and underserved communities will benefit from enhanced emergency medical coverage across the Leinster region.

Advanced Training

Volunteers receive comprehensive medical training from experienced professionals, ensuring high standards of care.

System Integration

Seamless coordination with NAS dispatch ensures volunteers are deployed efficiently during emergencies.

How the System Works

The volunteer emergency response system operates as a complementary service to traditional ambulance response. When a 999 or 112 call is received for a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergency, the NAS dispatch centre can simultaneously alert nearby trained volunteer responders through a mobile app.

1

Emergency Call Received

When a critical emergency call comes in, the NAS dispatch system identifies the location and nature of the incident.

2

Volunteers Alerted

Trained volunteer responders within a 5km radius receive an instant alert on their mobile devices.

3

Rapid Response

Available volunteers accept the alert and respond immediately, often arriving before the ambulance.

4

Life-Saving Care

Volunteers provide CPR, use an AED, or deliver other critical interventions until paramedics arrive.

5

Handover to Paramedics

When the ambulance arrives, volunteers provide a detailed handover and assist as needed.

Training and Qualifications

All volunteer responders undergo rigorous training to ensure they can deliver high-quality emergency care. The training programme includes:

  • Cardiac First Response (CFR) certification – comprehensive training in CPR, AED use, and basic life support
  • Advanced first aid skills – managing choking, severe bleeding, and other emergencies
  • Communication protocols – working effectively with emergency dispatch and paramedics
  • Scenario-based training – realistic emergency simulations to build confidence and competence
  • Annual refresher courses – maintaining skills and learning new techniques

The training is delivered by experienced paramedics and emergency medical professionals from DAFRS and NAS, ensuring volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to save lives.

Impact on Communities

The expansion of volunteer emergency response across Leinster is expected to have a significant positive impact on patient outcomes, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest where every second counts.

The Critical First Minutes

Research shows that survival rates from cardiac arrest drop by approximately 10% for every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. By having trained volunteers who can respond within 3-5 minutes, this partnership aims to dramatically improve survival rates across the region.

3-5
Average response time (minutes)
2x
Increased survival rate
100+
Trained volunteers

Beyond cardiac arrest, volunteer responders can also assist with other time-critical emergencies such as choking, severe allergic reactions, and major trauma, providing crucial support until paramedics arrive with advanced equipment and medications.

How Communities Can Get Involved

The success of this initiative depends on community participation. There are several ways individuals and organisations can support and benefit from this programme:

Become a Volunteer

Join the volunteer responder network and make a real difference in your community. Full training is provided, and flexible commitment options are available.

Learn More

Support CRITICAL

Help fund training, equipment, and technology for volunteer responders through donations or fundraising efforts.

Support Now

Corporate Partnerships

Businesses can support the initiative by sponsoring equipment, hosting training sessions, or encouraging staff to volunteer.

Get In Touch

Learn CPR

Everyone can learn basic CPR and first aid skills to help in an emergency, even if you don't join as a volunteer responder.

Safety Resources

Looking Ahead

The partnership between DAFRS, NAS, and CRITICAL represents a significant milestone in community-based emergency response in Ireland. As the programme expands across Leinster, the organisations plan to:

Expand Coverage

Recruit and train more volunteers to cover additional communities throughout the region.

Enhance Technology

Improve the alert and dispatch system for faster, more efficient response coordination.

Deploy More AEDs

Install public access defibrillators in key locations across communities.

Track Outcomes

Monitor and report on the impact of volunteer responders on patient survival rates.

Build Partnerships

Work with local councils, sports clubs, and community groups to promote awareness.

Recognition Programme

Celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of volunteer responders saving lives.

This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when emergency services, charities, and communities work together towards a common goal – ensuring that everyone in Ireland has access to life-saving care when they need it most.

Back to Latest News Support Our Campaign