THE ambulance service has apologised to a Co Tryone farmer who had to wait 90 minutes for an 999 ambulance despite suffering serious internal injuries.
Pensioner Noel Moss (68) from Castlederg was hurt after a tractor rolled over onto him at his farm on July 28.
An ambulance had to be sent from 34 miles away in Ballyshannon, County Donegal.
It emerged that a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) was sent by the Northern Ireland ambulance service to stabilise Mr Moss. The estate-like car, which is driven by a paramedic, cannot transport a patient to hospital.
John McPoland of the ambulance service said: "We got a call about an incident involving a tractor and we are extremely sorry that it took so long.
"We apologise to Mr Moss and his family.A rapid response paramedic was there within 23 minutes providing treatment and pain relief to Mr Moss.
"We were trying to get an available ambulance. The paramedic who was on site did say to the team that an ambulance was urgent. It is an unacceptable time for us to get to a scene.
"This is a man who had internal injuries. We feel like we let Mr Moss down."
Mr McPoland added they would like to meet Mr Moss and his family to explain what happened.
