Charity Records 54% Surge in Emergency Calls as Cork Sees 376 Incidents in 2025

CRITICAL, Ireland's leading voluntary emergency medical response charity, has reported a dramatic 54% increase in emergency calls during 2025, responding to more than 2,000 incidents in a single year for the first time in its history.

The charity's network of volunteer doctors, paramedics and community first responders attended 2,022 medical and trauma emergencies across Ireland last year, compared to 1,308 in 2024.

Cork recorded the second-highest number of incidents nationally, with volunteers responding to 376 separate emergency calls during 2025. Dublin led with 493 callouts, followed by Tipperary with 165, Donegal with 120 and Waterford with 112.

The types of emergencies included chest pain, cardiac arrests, strokes, road traffic collisions, falls and choking incidents. CRITICAL volunteers are alerted to life-threatening situations by the National Ambulance Service and provide immediate care in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives.

Dr Keith Kennedy, a specialist in emergency medicine, exemplifies the charity's growing volunteer base. Since joining CRITICAL in July, he has responded to more than 80 incidents in South County Dublin and surrounding areas during his first six months with the organisation.

The Limerick-headquartered charity has expanded its network with new Community First Responder groups established in Balbriggan in Dublin, Ennis in Clare, and both Youghal and Douglas in Cork during 2025.

David Tighe, CEO of CRITICAL, said:

"Behind every one of these calls 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.

I am incredibly proud of our volunteers, they are doctors, paramedics, EMTs and Community First Responders, who give their time, skills and expertise to support their local communities. This year we plan to launch new CFR groups in Kilkenny, Clare, Tipperary and Cork. We receive no Government funding and rely on public donations to provide and expand our life-saving services."

The charity operates with more than 300 active responders nationwide, equipped with emergency response vehicles and high-tech medical equipment.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.criticalcharity.ie.