Warm Easter weather keeps Exmouth RNLI volunteers busy

An off-duty Paramedic on scene at Dawlish Warren considered she was in urgent need of Entonox. Coastguard Rescue 187 helicopter from St. Athan was also proceeding and Teignmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were already on the scene.

The casualty was found sitting, leaning back on rocks when the D class lifeboat reached the location, within eight minutes. Crew volunteers assessed the casualty with casualty care cards before administering Entonox. There were no contra-indications and the pain score was 10.

When Rescue 187 arrived, the medic administered morphine and the casualty was then air-lifted to Derriford Hospital. Crew departed casualty at 3.03pm, returned to station at 3.18pm and was ready for service again at 3.30pm.

Helm, Henry Mock described the scene:

‘When we arrived on scene, Teignmouth Coastguard Rescue team had already cleared the beach and water around the casualty for us and the helicopter’s arrival. We in turn, were able to get to the casualty quickly and safely and carry the stretcher to the helicopter with the Coastguard team. I would like to thank all the members of the public at Dawlish Warren that afternoon for giving us room to work together, to ensure the best emergency care for the lady.’

In an email to thank Exmouth’s station volunteers, the casualty’s partner said on Monday:

‘Without the Entonox that you so kindly raced around in your inshore lifeboat and then so skilfully administered, my partner would have been in agony for a lot longer! The team at Plymouth Hospital successfully put her hip back into place on Sunday and we were able to drive back home by the evening.’

Soon after George Bearman II launched, a member of the public requested assistance, as a lady had collapsed opposite Exmouth lifeboat station with chest pain radiating to her back. Three crew members attended, called the Ambulance and were assisting with casualty care assessment when two passing doctors stopped to help. They advised administering Aspirin. The ambulance crew arrived, commenced an ECG assessment and took the casualty to hospital.

Photos:

PR220419 Exmouth RNLI volunteers and Teignmouth Coastguard Rescue team carry casualty to the helicopter (Credit: Teignmouth Coastguard)

PR220419 Exmouth D class inshore lifeboat George Bearman II at Dawlish Warren as Coastguard Rescue 187 lands on the beach (Credit: Exmouth RNLI)

Notes to editors

Exmouth RNLI are currently recruiting a variety of shore-based volunteer roles. Applications need to be made online, following the relevant links, by 1 June:

Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM): https://bit.ly/2u7XnS5

Deputy Launching Authority (DLA): https://bit.ly/2u06VyK

(for enquiries for both, please email nigel_jones@rnli.org.uk)

Lifeboat Administrative Officer (LAO): https://bit.ly/2u3WxWQ

(for enquiries, please email chair@exmouthlifeboat.org.uk)

Community Safety Advisers (CSA): https://bit.ly/2T0EDhp

(for enquiries, please email safety@exmouthlifeboat.org.uk)

Fundraising Box Secretary: https://bit.ly/2Che3uS

(for enquiries, please email ellie_walker@rnli.org.uk)

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The next RNLI lifejacket clinic will take place at NCI Open Day on 8 June.

· Exmouth lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: www.exmouthlifeboat.org.uk

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For more information please telephone Emma Tarling, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07837 810082 or press@exmouthlifeboat.org.uk or alternatively, Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or Emma_Haines@rnli.org.uk or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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