West Kirby and Hoylake RNLI respond to call for medical assistance
Volunteer RNLI crews from West Kirby and Hoylake RNLI rescued a party of nine who were cut off by the tide at Middle Hilbre. Among the casualties was a woman with a potential back injury.
The volunteer crew from West Kirby RNLI, including helm Chris Gatenby and crew members Adie Gregan and Joe Hughes-Jones, were tasked by HM Coastguard at 12:37pm and the volunteer crew from Hoylake RNLI were tasked at 12:38pm.
West Kirby RNLI requested Hoylake RNLI’s support due to the potentially serious nature of the back injury. The inshore D-Class lifeboat arrived on the south side of the island and shortly afterwards the Hoylake RNLI inshore rescue hovercraft arrived on scene.
West Kirby RNLI carried out a medical assessment as one of the casualties was suffering from a suspected back injury. It was agreed that the casualty needed to be carefully transferred to shore; four casualties were taken on board the inshore lifeboat and the remaining five aboard the hovercraft. All individuals were safely returned to Dee Lane to the awaiting HM Coastguard where they received further casualty care and support.
During this time, crew members Ed Rowlands and Karl Favager in the BV Hagglund also provided assistance to a woman and two dogs, who had become trapped by the flooding tide on West Kirby Marine Lake wall. The crew had spotted that this individual was in difficulty and upon reaching her were able to safely escort her to her vehicle on the promenade so as to retrieve her inhaler. Due to persistent breathing difficulties the crew administrated first aid and oxygen, supported by the HM Coastguard team. A paramedic team was requested and transferred the casualty to hospital.
Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
“When heading out to the coast, and particularly with a location such as Hilbre Island, it is always important to check the tide times. This is even more important when there are high spring tides as these result in the tide flooding or coming in at speed, often far quicker than people realise, and they can produce stronger currents. If you see someone in trouble or are in trouble yourself, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
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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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