Dealing with emergency situations in Ireland

If you live in Rural Ireland, just hope you will never have to call an ambulance!  You'll be lucky if one will actually come out to you.  In my experience, my husband was kicked by a horse (my own horse ) in the ribs.  She was trying to get at another horse and he got in between the argument.  He was collapsed on the ground, and when I called 999, they asked me if I could take him to the hospital myself.  I reiterated that he was on the ground and unable to get up.  I was told that they were busy because there was a car accident.  I finally ended up calling South Doc, and our own Dr. came out and gave the ok for him to be taken to the hospital in the car.  He had 3 cracked ribs and was kept in the hospital for 3 days as he had gotten a kick in the kidneys. Further injury could have been caused by putting him in the car.  Don't even get me started on the hospital!  Kerry General has been written up several times since this incident happend a few years back.  I can't believe they're still open!  Luckily, my husband is fine, and we still have the horse...who was very sorry for her actions.