Ambulances have been damaged by deer and even a flock of racing pigeons in recent years.

An air ambulance was eventually sent to the scene from Co Cork by which time a road ambulance had become available

The rule, reportedly signed off last Friday, means paramedics would have to leave their vehicles at a central location after their shift and drive home in their own cars, even if they are on call the next day

Police and ambulance services were attending the scene near Carrowdore in Co Down.

In some cases, delays of up to four hours were reported following calls to the National Ambulance Service

Tina Doran is urging everyone to get their blood pressure checked after she suffered a second health scare

The parents of Conor Naughton, who was then four years old, had to pay for a private ambulance to transport their son from Wexford General Hospital to Dublin for surgery