Award in memory of late pilot Dara Fitzpatrick launched in Limerick

AN AWARD has been launched in memory of the “inspirational” pilot of the doomed Rescue 116 helicopter.

To honour the pilot of the helicopter which crashed off the Mayo coast in 2017, The Irish Paramedicine Education and Research Network (IPERN) has launched an award at the University of Limerick.

Open to all women working within Ireland’s pre-hospital community, the inaugural Dara Fitzpatrick Award is being presented this Wednesday, March 8, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Hosted by Dr Niamh Cummins, IPERN’s Chair and Public Health Lecturer at UL and Gráinne O'Shea, leader of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion special interest group at IPERN, the award aims to recognise the “wonderful qualities” valued by women in emergency medical services (EMS), such as compassion, bravery, leadership and professionalism.

Speaking of the late pilot, Dr Cummins commented: “When one thinks of inspirational female leaders within Ireland’s EMS sector, Dara’s name is immediately at the forefront of our thoughts.”

Dara was the Irish Coast Guard’s most senior pilot, and flew over 800 missions during her career. As a captain, she piloted the Dublin-based Rescue 116 helicopter and was tragically killed during a rescue mission in 2017, with her three crew members.

On Twitter, the IPERN commented: “We were overwhelmed by the response for the call for nominations for the inaugural #DaraAward with 30 applications received from across the Emergency Medical Services EMS and Search and Rescue fields. Congratulations to all of our inspirational nominees! #IWD2023.”

The five finalists, who have been described as an “amazing inspiration and support to their colleagues.”

Representing Sligo Bay RNLI, Eithne Davis has launched on service 164 times, trained at sea for over 396 hours and has been directly involved in the saving of 9 lives, while assisting in bringing 131 people to safety at sea.

Eunice Langley represents Defibrillation and Resuscitation Access (DARA), and with her tenacity over 16 years, she has seen 10,000 people trained in CPR.

CQMS finalist, Finola Lafferty represents the Irish Defence Forces Medical Corps and is a paramedic and company quartermaster. She has been nominated 11 times by her colleagues for her leadership in overseas deployments and compassion in civilian care during the pandemic.

Representing The National Ambulance Service’s, Frances Griffin is a paramedic who has responded to the recent tragedy in her local community of Creesloough, and who was an “immense support” to her colleagues in the aftermath.

Lastly, Michelle O’Toole of the RSCSI SIM and The Department of Paramedicine, Monash University is an advanced paramedic who is leading innovative work internationally, while being an advocate for the mental health of first responders and their families.