Why the Irish College of Paramedics?

The Irish College of Paramedics (ICoP) has established itself as a crucial professional body, offering:

  • Expanded resources and training opportunities for members.
  • Enhanced networking platforms.
  • Professional development support.
  • Regular updates on industry developments.

Research and Future Direction

The profession is increasingly focusing on evidence-based practice and research:

  • Active participation in research initiatives.
  • Development of research priorities through stakeholder consensus.
  • Integration of international best practices.
  • Focus on continuous professional development.

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Current Challenges and Opportunities

The field faces several contemporary challenges:

  • Ongoing need for legislative updates.
  • Continuous adaptation to emerging healthcare needs.
  • Professional development requirements.
  • Integration of new technologies and practices.

Current Regulatory Landscape

The pre-hospital emergency care system in Ireland continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions about strengthening the regulatory framework. Recent reports indicate there are still some legislative “deficiencies” in paramedicine regulation that need to be addressed, highlighting the dynamic nature of the profession’s development.

ICOP Committee

Mr. Michael Dineen

Interm President
Michael is a practicing Paramedic and Clinical Lecturer in Paramedicine who has dedicated 28 years to the field. His extensive experience encompasses both practical emergency response and educational leadership. Throughout his career, he has held several key positions, including serving as Vice Chairperson of the Prehospital Care Council (2012-2016), advocating for Paramedicine whilst maintaining his role as a practicing Paramedic. His areas of interest and specialist expertise include pre-hospital emergency care, EMT & Paramedic training, professional development, and healthcare leadership.

Prof. Shane Knox

Out-going President
Professor Shane Knox is the Director of Paramedicine within Ireland’s National Ambulance Service (NAS). In 2015 he was appointed by the Minister for Health to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and previously served as Chair of its Education and Standards Committee. Shane graduated with a PhD, in 2015 from the University of Limerick’s School of Medicine. His doctoral research focused on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for registered pre-hospital practitioners in Ireland, laying the foundation for the implementation of CPD programmes for Irish Emergency Medical Technicians. He has multiple publications on the subject and has presented his research at international conferences in the U.S., Canada, Turkey, UAE and Pakistan. In 2018, Shane was appointed as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University College Cork (UCC) School of Medicine. Shane is a registered paramedic in the UK, and an advanced paramedic in Ireland. He was also the founding member and first president of the Irish College of Paramedics

Mr.Padraig Glynn

Honorary Treasurer
Padraig is a distinguished professional in Ireland's emergency medical services with extensive experience in both operational and educational roles. Serving as an Education Officer with the HSE National Ambulance Service since 2008, where he plays a crucial role in training and development. His career in emergency services began in 1999, and he has since advanced to become a PHECC Registered Advanced Paramedic and HCPC Registered Paramedic. Padraig contributes significantly to the development of paramedic education and assessment standards in Ireland. He is actively involved in the Test Item Writing committee of PHECC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council), helping to maintain and improve the standards of paramedic education and certification.

Mr Eoghan Connolly

Honorary Secretary
Eoghan is an Advanced Paramedic with the National Ambulance Service in Ireland. He holds a Higher Diploma in Emergency Medical Technology and a Master of Science in EMS (Advanced Paramedic). Eoghan has made substantial contributions to pre-hospital care standards in Ireland through his involvement in various committees and organisations. He has served as a representative from the Irish College of Paramedics, participating in the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines and helping to establish pathways for responders to administer prescription medications.

Mr. Damien Dollard

Committee Member
Damien currently serves as the Civil Defence Officer for Laois County, a role in which he has achieved notable recognition. His career history includes experience with the Health Service Executive, where he worked as a Paramedic, and later contributed to the National Ambulance Service College. His dedication to public service was recently recognised when he won the prestigious Volunteer Manager 2024 Award at the Volunteer Ireland awards in Dublin, highlighting his exceptional leadership in volunteer management and community service.He maintains a strong commitment to both professional emergency services and volunteer coordination, making contributions to Ireland's emergency response capabilities and civil defence infrastructure.

Mr William Fahy

Committee Member
William is a Specialist Paramedic (Community). He previously served as a Command-and-Control Team lead for the National Ambulance Service and has expertise in digital healthcare technologies. William has demonstrated innovative thinking in emergency care services. He notably developed an AED Locator app managing a comprehensive database of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across Ireland. His career has included important work with the National Ambulance Service, working alongside Dr. Lineen Curtis, particularly in serving island communities. His work combines both practical emergency medical expertise with technological innovation to enhance pre-hospital care delivery. His dual expertise in both paramedic services and technology has positioned him as a valuable contributor to the modernisation of emergency medical services in Ireland, where he has worked to improve access to life-saving equipment and emergency response systems.

Dr David Hick

Committee Member
Doctor David Hick brings 20 years of paramedic experience to his current roles as Programme Director and Senior Lecturer at University College Cork's School of Medicine. He played a pivotal role in establishing UCC's paramedic education programme. Currently, David is engaged in research that examines the use of role-play and simulated practice in paramedic education. His dual role as an educator and a researcher positions him at the forefront of advancements in paramedic education, ensuring that the curriculum not only meets current standards but also prepares students to address emerging challenges in the field.

Mr Macartan Hughes

Committee Member
Macartan Hughes is a leading figure in Irish paramedic education and emergency medicine, currently serving as a lecturer at University College Cork (UCC). Macartan has had a distinguished career spanning over 44 years with the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and its predecessor, the EHB Ambulance Service in Ireland. He is a pioneering figure in Irish emergency medical services. As a member of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) Paramedicine Directorate, Macartan has been instrumental in developing and advancing paramedic education in Ireland. He has witnessed and contributed to what he describes as "dramatic changes" in the field of emergency medical services. His work focuses on education and competency assurance within the emergency services sector. .

Mr Frank Keane

Committee Member
Frank currently serves as a Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow in Paramedic Studies at the School of Medicine, University of Limerick, bringing extensive experience in emergency medical services to his academic role Prior to his academic career, Frank worked with the National Ambulance Service, gaining valuable field experience that he now brings to his role as course director of the BSc in paramedic studies at UL. His research and teaching interests focus on innovative educational methodologies, particularly in the area of Dynamic Problem-Based Learning (D-PBL) in paramedic education. He has contributed to developing unique approaches to problem-based learning within the Paramedic Studies Department at the Graduate Entry Medical School

Ms Sarah O'Neill

Student Representative
Hello everyone, I’m currently an intern paramedic here in Cork. Before joining the ambulance service, I served in the defence forces, during which time I completed a UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. Thanks to my time in the defence forces I have gained a unique perspective on teamwork, resilience, and working under pressure. I’m honored to represent student paramedics and am excited to connect, learn, and share experiences with all of you as we continue to grow in this profession. Looking forward to the journey ahead and supporting each other along the way!
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