A LIFE SAVED AT THE REMEMBRANCE PARADE

As a member of staff in the kitchen became unwell it became clear that the crew would be needed. As they jumped to their feet and rushed to help the casualty, an off duty member of the Ambulance Service was already administering CPR.

As word spread to the other volunteers that someone was receiving lifesaving treatment another crew member spotted his colleagues from Avon Fire and Rescue who were quick to go and retrieve their oxygen from the Fire Station just the other end of the High Street in Portishead. With their quick thinking and team work they were all able to assist the casualty whilst they waited for the Ambulance.

The Crew volunteers are trained regularly in first aid and complete the casualty care programme which the RNLI provide to each crew member. Dave Slack, Lifeboat Operations Manager said, ‘Two of these volunteers had previously completed their RNLI casualty care course and quickly set to work in order to make an effective assessment of the casualty and to administer advanced life support. This treatment was carried out alongside an off duty Ambulance Service colleague and two colleagues from the Avon Fire & Rescue Service, who were also waiting for the start of the Remembrance Parade.

I am immensely proud of the role that my volunteer crew members played in dealing with this situation in such a professional manner on Sunday morning and I was also very impressed to witness how well the emergency services worked together in very difficult circumstances’.

The volunteers received the best news on the Monday (13^th November) on their Facebook page from Impero Lounge, they said that the man involved was doing well at home, ‘We (Impero Lounge) would like to say a massive thank you to every single person who came to our aid yesterday, in such difficult circumstances. The support and quick response you gave, saved our colleague, who is now safe at home. Thank you all’.

RNLI Portishead would like to wish the casualty their best wishes for a continued speedy recovery.

RNLI notes to Editors

Photos are ©RNLI Portishead

1 – Chris Wade (3^rd left) who was one of the volunteers who helped the casualty.

2 – Volunteer Crew assembling for the Remembrance Parade

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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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 200 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 140,000 lives.

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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