Emergency Aeromedical Service are preparing for a busy summer

The Emergency Aeromedical Service based in Athlone say they're preparing for a busy summer season ahead.

Now in its 10th year, the Athlone Air Ambulance was initially set up following the closure of Roscommon A&E however it has since become a national service.

Frenchpark native Captain Jason McDermott is the helicopter's pilot, he says motorbike collisions, farm accidents and DIY mishaps are common callouts during spells of fine weather.

Since 2012 the service has completed 3500 incidents.

Speaking to Shannonside FM Captain McDermott explained the helicopter can travel at over 300km per hour and will bring patients to the most appropriate hospital.