The regulator overseeing the registration of emergency medical technicians, paramedics and advance paramedics in Ireland has called for volunteers to be utilised during the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
The Health Service Executive and Department of Health have been asked to consider using volunteers from organisations including the Order of Malta and Civil Defence to administer the vaccines.
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), which regulates pre-hospital emergency care and registers practitioners, told RTÉ s Morning Ireland this could help alleviate pressures on frontline responders.
The independent statutory body’s call comes as the Oireachtas Health Committee was told yesterday the healthcare system is facing a backlog of patients, due to Covid-19, that will stretch the health services to the absolute limit .