Skerries RNLI carry out early morning medevac

The volunteers in Skerries, launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” and proceeded directly to the visiting yacht, which was in sight as soon as the lifeboat left the trailer. Once alongside, one of the volunteer crew, who also happens to be a local GP, made their way on to the yacht to assess the casualty’s condition.

A lady on board had fallen and suffered a back injury, and it was evident that transferring the casualty to the lifeboat was not going to be straightforward. It was decided to assist the yacht in moving alongside the pier, where more volunteers from the station would be waiting with a rigid basket stretcher.

The stretcher was lowered to the yacht and casualty was placed into it and made as comfortable as possible. With the tide quite low, there would have been a considerable risk to the casualty in hauling the stretcher up the harbour wall, so it was decided to transfer the stretcher to the lifeboat instead.

The lifeboat then made it’s way back around the pier and was recovered back to the station. The casualty was then handed over to the care of the National Ambulance Service who transferred her to hospital for further assessment.

Conditions at the time were force one to two southerly winds with a smooth sea and moderate visibility caused by sea fog.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “First of all we’d like to wish the lady a full and speedy recovery. When the pagers sound, our volunteers never really know what they might be facing. But you can always count on their calmness and composure. There was some great teamwork and some excellent decision making on display in this shout to ensure the casualty got the best care possible.”

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 988 4965 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 or [email protected].

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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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