Tobermory RNLI volunteers carry out New Year's Day 'medivac' from remote island

The pagers sounded just before midday on Wednesday 1st January 2020 and the volunteer crew were tasked by the UK Coastguard to carry out a medical evacuation or 'medivac' from the island of Carna. Tobermory's Severn class lifeboat was launched and the crew collected two Scottish Ambulance Service paramedics from Laga Bay before heading to the island. Two lifeboat crew members accompanied the paramedics ashore to attend the casualty who had sustained serious injuries after falling down a flight of stairs.

After receiving treatment at the scene, the casualty was transferred to the lifeboat which then returned to Laga Bay for a further transfer to the waiting ambulance with the assistance of Salen Coastguard Rescue Team. The lifeboat returned to Tobermory where she was refuelled and made ready for service shortly before 4pm.

Tobermory RNLI Coxswain, David McHaffie said: 'This was a real team effort with our colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service and Salen Coastguard. All of us at the lifeboat station wish the casualty a speedy recovery.'

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact

Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07747601900 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]

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