Longhope and Stromness RNLI emergency kit relay
A relay team of RNLI volunteer crews from Longhope and Stromness RNLI highlighted the sandpiper bag emergency medical kits.
On Saturday 12 July, the RNLI volunteer crew of Longhope RNLI lifeboat in Orkney, steamed into Stromness Harbour carrying a sandpiper bag. The sandpiper bag is an advanced, emergency medical kit, for use in isolated communities that don’t have the services of a GP. They can be very useful in small islands, such as we have in Orkney, with very limited medical facilities.
This particular bag had started its journey in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, in The Outer Hebrides. It was being relayed, partly by lifeboats, to raise the awareness of the kit in communities along the way. The sandpiper kit was received on board Stromness RNLI lifeboat by Doctor Carolyn Sheehan, she and the crew then steamed north to Brough of Birsay where the bag was handed on to the crew of Kirkwall RNLI lifeboat for a visit to Rousay and Shapinsay before returning to Kirkwall.
Our volunteer crews play a vital role in the bringing of emergency medical support to our islands. We have workers on oil rigs, recreational divers, climbers, walkers, mums-to-be and the full range of medical emergencies for visitors and residents. The sandpiper bags are an invaluable tool in this service to isolated communities.
Notes to editors
· Stromness lifeboat station has been operating since 1867. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Stromness RNLI Lifeboat Station
RNLI media contacts
Richard Clubley, Lifeboat Press Officer at Stromness RNLI, [email protected]
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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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