The helicopter, an EC 135 model, is staffed with a National Ambulance Service (NAS) advanced paramedic and two pilots.

The UL Hospitals Group, which operates the mid west hospitals, declared a major incident at the UHL ED last Monday when management said record levels of patients attending the department could not be sustained.

University Hospital Limerick has issued an SOS call for off-duty staff to come back to work

Hospitals have reported record numbers of patients presenting at EDs for care and treatment this year