Penlee Lifeboat volunteers assist a diver suffering a medical emergency
The casualty had been diving on wreck near the Wolf Rock Lighthouse and started to feel the effects of ‘the bends’ (decompression sickness) whilst returning to Newlyn.
Three of Penlee’s RNLI volunteers sprang into action and administered medical assistance, Falmouth Coastguard were informed of the situation and tasked the Coastguard Search & Rescue helicopter to assist.
Due to the urgency of the situation the skipper of the dive vessel decided to drive the casualty to Penzance Heliport where the Search & Rescue helicopter had planned to land, rather than wait for an ambulance. Two RNLI volunteers went with the casualty to continue with medical assistance and to give directions.
The casualty was transferred to the helicopter and flown to DDRC Healthcare in Plymouth which delivers a 24/7 diving and hyperbaric medical emergency service.Three of Penlee’s RNLI volunteers sprang into action and administered medical assistance, Falmouth Coastguard were informed of the situation and tasked the Coastguard Search & Rescue helicopter to assist.
Due to the urgency of the situation the skipper of the dive vessel decided to drive the casualty to Penzance Heliport where the Search & Rescue helicopter had planned to land, rather than wait for an ambulance. Two RNLI volunteers went with the casualty to continue with medical assistance and to give directions.
Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The volunteers crew an all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen and a B class Atlantic 21 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a rich 200 years history of saving lives at sea.
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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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