West Kirby RNLI respond to medical emergency in multi agency response

The volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to reports of a kayaker who had collapsed at the south end of West Kirby Marine Lake.

As the BV and lifeboat left the station, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) had just arrived on scene, with medical assistance already being administered by two RNLI volunteers. NWAS requested that they continue providing care, supported by additional RNLI casualty carers, while the ambulance crew prepared their equipment. Members of West Kirby Sailing Club also assisted by providing a defibrillator.

A second ambulance attended, alongside Merseyside Police, HM Coastguard and the North West Air Ambulance Charity, resulting in a full multi-agency response. In addition to this, local off duty doctors stopped to provide support.

Following a discussion between medical professionals, it was decided the casualty would be taken to hospital via ambulance by road, rather than air. The casualty was subsequently transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital where treatment continues.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:

‘This was a multi agency response and my thanks go out to everybody involved. This was a real collaborative team effort.

‘North West Ambulance Service kindly provided feedback to the crew during our debrief, thanking the station for their professionalism, quick reactions and casualty care expertise.

‘We’d like to thank the North West Ambulance Service, Merseyside Police, HM Coastguard, North West Air Ambulance, West Kirby Sailing Club, local doctors who assisted and members of the public. This was a real community rescue, giving this casualty the best opportunity to recover.

‘As ever this was a one crew effort but I would like to pay special thanks to the RNLI individuals who provided medical attention throughout. It’s never an easy task but the volunteer crew handled this with extreme professionalism and focus. Incidents like this show that RNLI training and teamwork can make a real difference in saving lives at sea and within our community.

‘We remind people that if you ever find yourself, or anybody else, in difficulty in or near the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.