Charity's volunteers responded to over 370 calls in Cork last year

The voluntary emergency medical response charity CRITICAL responded to more than 370 calls in Cork last year.

The charity reported a 54% increase in calls nationwide throughout 2025, responding to more than 2,000 incidents, spanning a range of medical issues, including chest pain, cardiac arrests, strokes, road traffic collisions, falls, and choking.

The charity’s volunteers attended a total of 2,022 incidents, up from 1,308 in 2024, of which 376 were attended in Cork.

Volunteers attended to 493 medical incidents in Dublin, 165 in Tipperary, 120 in Donegal, and 112 in Waterford.

Chief executive David Tighe said that behind every call “is a person having one of the worst days of their lives and a volunteer responder willing to step forward”.

“A 54% increase in the number of calls is a clear indication of the demand on our emergency services and the impact our growing network of volunteers is having across the country,” said Mr Tighe.

“I am incredibly proud of our volunteers. They are doctors, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and community first responders (CFR), who give their time, skills, and expertise to support their local communities.

“This year we plan to launch new CFR groups in Cork, Kilkenny, Clare, and Tipperary.

“We receive no government funding and rely on public donations to provide and expand our life-saving services.” 

The charity, headquartered in Limerick, has a network of more than 300 volunteers across Ireland who are alerted to emergencies by the National Ambulance Service.

With 14 CFR groups set up across six counties, consisting of trained local volunteers, the charity has groups in Macroom, Youghal, and most recently, Douglas.