Largs RNLI Volunteers Respond to Shore Based Medical Emergency

Around 8pm a concerned member of the public arrived at the station informing the volunteer crew, who were recovering the boat from their regular Wednesday evening training session, of an unconscious casualty further along the promenade.

With the emergency services having already been called the decision was taken to task volunteer crew to assist until the ambulance arrived.

Five certified casualty care crew members quickly made their way on foot along the promenade to the casualty.

On arrival, they were able to quickly assess the situation and provide immediate casualty care to the person who was unconscious and breathing erratically.

The trained crew members were able to help stabilise and care for the casualty until the ambulance arrived, with the volunteer crew handing the casualty over into their care.

Not only have the RNLI Volunteers of Largs lifeboat station used their first aid skills at sea, they have also on numerous occasions, made excellent use of their casualty care training during shore-based medical emergencies.

Speaking after the incident, Claire McRae, Casualty Care certified volunteer crew member, said; ‘ The members of the public who dialled 999 and contacted the Ambulance service, alongside the person who alerted us, should be commended for there quick actions.

‘Casualty Care certified volunteers at Largs lifeboat station were able to assist until the ambulance arrived.

‘Our lifeboat station at Largs is not staffed 24 hours a day, however this incident happened while crew were on the station so in this case we were able to help.

‘In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency you should always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts

Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]

Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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