Salcombe RNLI respond to medical emergency.
On Friday 13 July, RNLI Salcombe launched both the all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat, to reports of medical incident on the rocks near Gammon Head.
Once on scene and alongside the rocks two volunteer inshore lifeboat (ILB) crew were able transfer to the rock to assess the casualty's condition. Upon examination the crew volunteers, both with casualty care training, confirmed the casualty had sustained back injuries consistent with those of a heavy fall on rocks and was in considerable pain.
To help stabilise and secure the casualty, extra resources were obtained from the all weather lifeboat (ALB), including a basket stretcher, pain relief and another crew member. Once stabilised the crew were able to execute a smooth transfer of the casualty from the rocks to the ILB and then on to the ALB for continued casualty care and return to shore.
Upon arrival into Salcombe Harbour the casualty remained onboard the ALB awaiting the arrival of an ambulance for onward transfer to Torbay Hospital.
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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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