RNLI lifeguard supervisor attends to surfer with broken leg on Fistral beach

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Andy Thomas had just pulled up at Fistral beach to do a routine check of the lifeguard facility when he was approached by a member of the public, alerting him to a surfer who had just sustained a serious injury.

Andy grabbed the First Responder Bag from the lifeguard vehicle and headed to the casualty at the water’s edge. The young woman had been surfing when her leg collided with her board, resulting in broken bones and severe pain. Members of the public had managed to help her get back to the shallows.

Along with members of the public, they moved the casualty up the beach and into the shelter of the lifeguard facility to be out of the cold elements. Andy carried out a casualty care assessment, administered pain relief and reassured her. He also contacted Lead Supervisor Lewis Timson to bring additional pain relief to the scene as the casualty’s pain was so severe.

15 minutes after Andy arrived, the Coastguard team were on scene – including a paramedic who could take over treatment until the land ambulance arrived to transfer the casualty to hospital.

Andy Thomas, the RNLI lifeguard supervisor involved, said:

‘This was one of those incidents that you cannot predict, she was a competent surfer and didn’t do anything wrong but unfortunately sustained an incredibly painful injury.

‘The lifeguard season has finished for the year so if you see someone in trouble please remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. It was lucky that in this case I just happened to stop by.’

Notes to editors

Photos attached – credit Lewis Timson.

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