Dr. Niamh Cummins
Dr. Niamh Cummins is Research Manager of the Centre for Prehospital Research in the Graduate Entry Medical School at the University of Limerick. Her role there is to support and foster research within the prehospital community in Ireland. In order to fulfil this, Niamh conducts educational workshops to promote research skills, provides individual research support to prehospital practitioners and of course undertakes primary research projects.
B.Sc. (Hons) Physiology, University College Cork
M.Sc. (by research) Public Health, Waterford Institute of Technology and University of Limerick
Ph.D. Biomedical Science, University of Limerick
Research Officer (University of Limerick) 2006 - 2008
Postdoctoral Researcher (University of Limerick) 2009 - 2010
Lecturer (Institute of Technology Tralee) 2010 - 2011
Scientific Consultant (Crescent Diagnostics/Osentia 2008 - 2012
Research Fellow (University of Limerick) 2011 - present
European Resuscitation Council
National Association of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Physicians – North America
Physiological Society
European Society of Biomaterials
Niamh works on a variety of EMS projects in her research support role. In terms of primary research projects she is particularly interested in resuscitation, advanced paramedic practice, spinal immobilisation and aeromedical services. Dr. Cummins is the Principal Investigator for the Advanced Paramedic Clinical Activity Study (APCAS), the Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) Research Project and is a co-investigator on the award-winning Biomechanics of Extrication and Spinal Immobilisation study.
A multi-study cost-effectiveness comparison of the QFracture and FRAX fracture risk algorithms. Poku EK, Towler MR, Cummins NM, Curran DJ and Turetken O. Risk and Decision Analysis (2015) In Press
Biomechanical analysis of spinal immobilisation during prehospital extrication: A proof of concept study. Dixon M, O’Halloran J and Cummins NM. Emergency Medicine Journal (2014) 31: p745.
Can advanced paramedics in the field safely diagnose patients and predict hospital admission? Cummins NM, Dixon M, Garavan C, Landymore E, Mulligan N and O’Donnell C. Emergency Medicine Journal (2013) 30: p1043.
The Advanced Paramedic Clinical Activity Study (APCAS): An insight into the work of advanced paramedics in the Mid-West of Ireland. Cummins NM, Dixon M, Garavan C, Landymore E, Mulligan N and O’Donnell C. Irish Journal of Medical Science (2013) 182: 3 p469-475.
The effect of behavioural risk factors on osteoporosis in Irish women. Cummins NM, Jakeman PM, Sestak I, Murphy N and Carroll P. Irish Journal of Medical Science (2013) 182: 1 p97.
Generic medicines: an evaluation of the accuracy and accessibility of information available on the Internet. Dunne S, Cummins NM, Hannigan A, Shannon B, Dunne C and Cullen W. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making (2013) 13: 1 p115.
What answers does the Internet provide for patients in Ireland with questions about generic medicines? Dunne S, Cummins NM, Hannigan A, Shannon B, Dunne C and Cullen W. Journal of Generic Medicine (2013) 10: 3-4 p205-213
A method for the design and development of medical or health care information websites to optimize search engine results page rankings on Google. Dunne S, Cummins NM, Hannigan A, Shannon B, Dunne C and Cullen W. Journal of Medical Internet Research (2013) 15: 8 p183.
Developing novel prognostic biomarkers for multivariate fracture risk prediction algorithms. Poku EK, Towler MR, Cummins NM and Newman JD. Calcified Tissue International (2012) 91: 3 p204-214.
Biological evaluation of nano HA-ZrO2 composites and Sr-HA for load bearing applications. Brook IM, Freeman CO, Grubb S, Curran DJ, Reidy CJ, Cummins NM, Hampshire S and Towler MR. Published online in the Journal of Biomaterials Applications (Sept 2011).
The bioactivity and ion release of Titanium-containing glass polyalkenoate cements for medical applications. Wren AW, Cummins NM, Laffir FR, Hudson S and Towler MR. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine (2011) 22: 1 p19-28.
The response of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa biofilm to the presence of a glass polyalkenoate cement formulated from a silver containing glass. Coughlan A, Ryan MP, Cummins NM and Towler MR. Journal of Materials Science (2011) 46: 1 p285-287.
Clinical risk factors for osteoporosis in Ireland and the UK: A comparison of FRAX and QFracture Scores. Cummins NM, Poku E, Towler MR, O’Driscoll O and Ralston SR. Calcified Tissue International (2011) 89: p172-177.
Raman spectroscopy of fingernails: A novel tool for evaluation of bone quality? Cummins NM, Day JCC, Wren AW, Carroll P, Murphy N, Jakeman PM and Towler MR. Spectroscopy: Biomedical Applications (2010) 24: 5 p517-524.
A spectroscopic investigation into the setting and mechanical properties of Titanium containing glass polyalkenoate cements. Wren AW, Cummins NM, Kidari A and Towler MR. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine (2010) 21: 8 p2355-2364.
Comparison of antibacterial properties of commercial bone cements and fillers with a Zinc based glass polyalkenoate cement. Wren AW, Cummins NM and Towler MR. Journal of Materials Science (2010) 45: 19 p5244-5251.
The effect of adding organic polymers on the handling properties, strengths and bioactivity of a Ca-Sr-Zn-Si glass polyalkenoate cements. Wren AW, Cummins NM, Coughlan A and Towler MR. Journal of Materials Science (2010) 45: 13 p3554-3562.
Raman spectroscopy of the human nail: A potential tool for evaluating bone health? Towler MR, Wren AW, Rushe N, Saunders J, Cummins NM and Jakeman PM. Journal of Material Science: Materials in Medicine (2007) 18: p759-763.
Conference Oral Presentations
Confirmation of Sub-optimal Protocols in Spinal Immobilisation? Cummins NM, O’Halloran J, Hannigan A, Keenan S and Dixon M. National Association of EMS Physicians Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, USA (Jan 2015).
Taking Off: Ireland’s Emergency Aeromedical Service. Cummins NM, O’Donnell C, and Ryan D. Paramedics Australasia International Conference, Gold Coast, Australia (Sept. 2014).
Research Workshop “Getting started in Prehospital Research” EMS Gathering, Kerry, Ireland (May 2014). Invited Speaker.
The generally unwell: Are they sick or septic? A survey of Irish EMS practitioner’s awareness of sepsis. Daly D, Cummins NM and Bury G. EMS Gathering, Kerry, Ireland (May 2014).
The burden of alcohol-related emergencies on the Ambulance Service in the Mid-West region of Ireland: A sobering insight from the Advanced Paramedic Clinical Activity Study (APCAS). Siddiqui Z, Cummins NM and Ryan D. EMS Gathering, Kerry, Ireland (May 2014).
An introduction to prehospital research. Cummins NM. Irish College of Paramedics Scientific Day, Limerick, Ireland (Feb. 2014). Invited Speaker.
The characteristics of frequent presenters to an Irish emergency department. Walker P, Cummins NM and Collins N. Paramedics Australasia International Conference, Canberra, Australia (Oct. 2013).
ViEWS from the prehospital perspective; a comparison of a prehospital early warning score to triage categorisation in the emergency department. Gaumont D, Cummins NM, O’Donnell C and Ryan D. Irish College of Paramedics Scientific Day, Dublin, Ireland (Oct. 2013).
What makes an ideal mechanical chest compression device for use in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation? Figgis D, Carlin B, O’Donnell C and Cummins NM. RESUS, Limerick, Ireland (Apr. 2013).
Characteristics of frequent presenters: An analysis of 1 year of data from an Irish emergency department. Walker P, Carlin B, Cummins NM and Collins N. RESUS, Limerick, Ireland (Apr. 2013).
Irish paramedics’ insights regarding mechanical chest compression devices for use in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Figgis D, Carlin B, O’Donnell C and Cummins NM. EMS Today Conference, Washington DC, USA. Abstract published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (Mar. 2013).
From global to local: National emergency medical services research agendas and what they can do to improve your system’s research enterprise. Blanchard I, Bigham B, Cummins NM, Jensen J, White L. National Association of EMS Physicians Annual Meeting, Bonita Springs, FL, USA (Jan. 2013). Invited Speaker.
Biomechanical analysis of spinal immobilisation during prehospital extrication: A proof of concept study. Dixon M, O’Halloran J and Cummins NM. National Association of EMS Physicians Annual Meeting, Bonita Springs, FL, USA (Jan. 2013). Abstract published in Prehospital Emergency Care 17: 1 p106.
Raman spectroscopy of toenail as a prognostic indicator of future hip fracture risk Beattie JR, Towler MR, Feskanich D, Armhein J, Cummins NM, Bakker Schut TC and Poku E. The 23rd International Conference on Raman Spectroscopy, Bangalore, India (Aug. 2012).
The incorporation of organic polymers into bone cements based on glass polyalkenoate chemistry. Towler MR, Wren AW, Coughlan A and Cummins NM. Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, USA (Oct. 2010).
Nano-composites for load-bearing applications. Freeman CO, Grubb S, Cummins NM, Reidy CJ, Curran DJ, Hampshire S, Brook IM and Towler MR. International Association for Dental Research (IADR) General Session, Barcelona, Spain (July 2010).
Raman spectroscopy of keratin: A novel tool for in situ evaluation of bone fragility. Cummins NM and Towler MR. UK Society of Biomaterials 8th Annual Conference, Belfast, Northern Ireland (July 2009).
Raman spectroscopy of keratin: A comparison with other methods of evaluating bone health. Cummins NM, Towler MR, Wren AW, Rushe N, Saunders J, Jakeman PM, Carroll P and Murphy, N. The 21st European Conference on Biomaterials, Brighton, UK (Sept. 2007).
The validity of using an uncoupling index as a tool in the assessment of bone health. Cummins NM, Carroll P and Jakeman PM. Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (RAMI) Biomedical Sciences Meeting, Limerick, Ireland (June 2006).
A novel screening protocol for osteoporosis? Towler MR, Wren AW, Jakeman PM and Cummins NM. The 11th World Congress on the Menopause, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Oct. 2005).
Conference Poster Presentations
The potential use of prehospital non-invasive ventilation in the Mid-West. MacDonncha C, Hennelly D, Hannigan A, Cummins NM and Ryan D. Irish Association of Emergency Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (Oct. 2014).
An evaluation of patient outcomes for Emergency Aeromedical Service patients at University Hospital Limerick. Doorley C, Cummins NM and Ryan D. Irish Association of Emergency Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (Oct. 2014).
Taking flight: Ireland’s Emergency Aeromedical Service. Hennelly D, Figgis D, Gaumont D, Henry K, Moran P, Traynor P, O’Donnell C, Ryan D and Cummins NM. Irish Association of Emergency Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (Oct. 2014).
Just a little prick: A clinical audit of prehospital practitioners knowledge of needlestick injuries. O’Brien C, Cummins NM and Batt A. Irish Association of Emergency Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (Oct. 2014).
Breaking silos: The implementation of the National Ambulance Patient Handover Protocol. Brady F, Dillion E, Lonergan D, O’Connor S, Collins N, Cummins NM, Ryan D, McCarthy G and Geary G. Irish Association of Emergency Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (Oct. 2014).
An audit of prehospital spinal precautions in trauma patients presenting to University Hospital Limerick. Haj-Bakri S, Cummins NM and Ryan D. Irish Association of Emergency Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (Oct. 2014).
Ireland's Emergency Aeromedical Service: A report from the first two years of operation. Figgis D, O’Donnell C and Cummins NM. AIRMED World Congress, Rome, Italy (June 2014).
The effect of a metronome on layperson CPR quality and attitudes. Sweeney E, Ryder H and Cummins NM. BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, Dublin, Ireland (Jan. 2014)
Irish paramedics’ knowledge of the research literature and evidence-based practice
Cummins NM and Ryan D. Cochrane in Ireland Conference, Dublin, Ireland (Jan. 2014).
Investigating the effects of a metronome on lay people performing CPR. Sweeney E, Ryder H and Cummins NM. SciFest National Final, Dublin, Ireland (Nov. 2013).
An investigation of the appropriateness of ambulance pre-alerts to the emergency department. Gunnigle S, Cummins NM and Ryan D. University Hospital Limerick Research Symposium, Limerick, Ireland (Oct. 2013).
The burden of alcohol-related emergencies on the Ambulance Service in the mid-west region of Ireland: a sobering insight from the Advanced Paramedic Clinical Activity Study (APCAS)
Siddiqui Z, Cummins NM and Ryan D. University Hospital Limerick Research Symposium, Limerick, Ireland (Oct. 2013).
ViEWS from the prehospital perspective; a comparison of a prehospital early warning score to triage categorisation in the emergency department. Gaumont D, Cummins NM, O’Donnell C and Ryan D. University Hospital Limerick Research Symposium, Limerick, Ireland (Oct. 2013).
Cardiovascular emergencies in the Advanced Paramedic Clinical Activity Study (APCAS). Cummins NM, Dixon M, Garavan C, Landymore E, Mulligan N and O’Donnell C. European Resuscitation Council Congress “Resuscitation”, Vienna, Austria (Oct. 2012). Abstract published in Resuscitation 83: e69
Paramedic perceptions of mechanical chest compression devices for use in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Figgis D, Carlin B, O’Donnell C and Cummins NM. European Resuscitation Council Congress “Resuscitation”, Vienna, Austria (Oct. 2012). Abstract published in Resuscitation 83: e78
The Advanced Paramedic Clinical Activity Study (APCAS): Can advanced paramedics in the field safely diagnose patients and predict hospital admission? Cummins NM, Dixon M, Garavan C, Landymore E, Mulligan N and O’Donnell C. International Conference on Emergency Medicine, Dublin, Ireland (June 2012).
Best Scientific Presentation
National Association of EMS Physicians Annual Meeting, Bonita Springs, FL, USA (Jan. 2013). Biomechanical Analysis of Spinal Immobilisation during Prehospital Extrication: A Proof of Concept Study. Dixon M, O’Halloran J and Cummins NM.
Research Funding (€35,000)
"Biomechanical Analysis of Spinal Immobilisation during Prehospital Extrication" (October 2013).
Falck Foundation Research Grant €17,500
Pre-hospital Emergency Care Council Research Grant €17,500
M.Sc. Emergency Management (2012) Tony Cosgrove
M.Sc. Emergency Medical Science (2012) Darren Figgis
M.Sc. Emergency Medical Science (2013) Denis Daly
M.Sc. Emergency Medical Science (2013) Philip Walker
M.P.H. Public Health (2015) Cian O’Brien
Additional Information
Niamh is a member of the RESUS Conference Scientific Committee and acts as an EMS Gathering educator with responsibility for full co-ordination of the Research Programmes at these events. She is an abstract reviewer for the Annual Meeting of the National Association of EMS Physicians and also a reviewer for the following journals; BMJ Open, Clinical Endocrinology, Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis and the Talanta International Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry.