Casualty care training pays off for Rhyl RNLI crew Ben Hirst
Probationer crew Ben was cycling home from the regular Rhyl crew training on Sunday 16 October, when he observed a young girl being struck by a car, about 500 metres from the station.
He immediately dismounted and safely parked his bicycle, and approached the girl to offer assistance, dialling 999 for police and ambulance services as he went.
The girl was in great discomfort and Ben immediately suspected that there may be injuries present after a heavy impact and fall into the road. He carried out a preliminary check of the girl and then supported her head with his jacket, talking to her to maintain her consciousness and to keep her still.
The ambulance and police arrived very quickly, and Ben was able to give a thorough handover to the ambulance crew, saving time in the initial check-up by them. The girl was then taken into the ambulance and transferred to hospital.
Ben said ' My RNLI casualty care training was fresh in my mind after a course at Poole RNLI headquarters,and on station. The training naturally kicked in and I am happy that it was put to use to assist in this incident'
Ben is in his first year as a probationary crew member at Rhyl, and had just completed his initial course at the headquarters of the RNLI in Poole.
Acting Coxswain at Rhyl station, Paul Frost, said 'we are very proud of Ben and his actions, and are pleased that his RNLI training has been put to good use'
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