RNLI training helps volunteer Rhyl Crew Ben Hirst at home

Ben was at home when his partner Amy's one-year old daughter Summer fell head-first from the sofa on to the hard floor of the lounge. She banged her head, went unconscious, and stopped breathing.

Ben, who is crew on both the charity's inshore and all-weather lifeboats, had only just recently completed his Casualty Care course (advanced first aid). He leapt into action, opening her airway, and managed to get her breathing again.

He dialled 999 whilst monitoring Summer for any other injuries and reassuring her. He also had the RNLI's Casualty care cards to hand, which he could refer to step-by-step as needed. By chance, an ambulance was passing the area, and was on scene within two minutes of the call.

Summer was transferred urgently to the casualty department of Glan Clwyd Hospital, where after assessment, she was admitted to the paediatric unit for close observation. She was kept in for 24 hours, but recovered well enough to be discharged home after that.

Ben says ' I have nothing but praise for the ambulance crew and the hospital staff for their excellent care. I also have to thank the RNLI who provided me with the tools and the excellent knowledge, to enable me to react confidently to the situation'.

Ben is pictured with Summer after her recovery.

Paul Frost, acting Coxswain at Rhyl says 'We are proud Ben has used the RNLI's Casualty Care methods to help others away from the station, in the year that he has been on the crew. We are delighted Summer is making a full recovery'.

The attached picture shows Ben Hirst with Summer at the lifeboat station at Rhyl. Credit Paul Frost MBE, Rhyl Press officer.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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