#Coastguard - The Irish Coast Guard enjoyed an eight-fold increase its work with the HSE last year, according to the service's chief.

Chris Reynolds was speaking before a select sub-committee hearing at the Oireachtas last week, at which he explained that the national coastguard has taken on a bigger role in responding to "semi heart-attack" cases.

"They often say the best medicine for this type of heart attack is aviation fuel," said Reynolds. "One has to get to a hospital within a certain short period. Life expectancy and quality of life are better increased, accordingly. We have engaged with the HSE on this particular role."

The medevac role is one much more applicable to the Irish Coast Guard's air units today, especially with the fourth new-generation Sikorsky S92 rescue helicopter brought into service last month signalling the modernisation of the fleet in spite of a 7% reduction in the State's maritime transport and safety programme.

Reynolds added that the Department of Health "is examining the holistic area of air medical services including the Air Corps, air services and the coastguard and will produce a report for the Cabinet sometime this year."

Meanwhile, Reynolds also acknowledged the increase of hoax calls to the Irish Coast Guard in recent years, and gave an interesting reason for the spike in numbers.

"The issue arose in 2010 because a decision was made then that when one called 999, one was offered the coastguard as well," he said, noting that the situation "has been constant ever since".

Yet while hoax calls remain an upward trend, Reynolds emphasised that there is "a difference between a false alert and a hoax. Our operators are smart enough to recognise most hoax calls.

"Occasionally, we get a clever one, forcing us to launch a helicopter or lifeboat needlessly."