Redcar RNLI lifeguards give lifesaving medical care

An 81-year-old male sustained a head injury after he fell from the slipway at Redcar beach and hit his head on the sand. The casualty’s family immediately alerted the on-scene lifeguards of the injury, who discovered the casualty unresponsive with a high breathing rate.

Senior lifeguard Finn Scheczer gave the casualty first aid; after he continued to drift in and out of consciousness, oxygen was administered. The family then informed Finn of the casualty’s pre-existing cardiac problems which he previously took medicine for.

After discovering bruising and a cut on the base of the casualty’s neck, the lifeguard team continued to monitor the casualty, who became increasingly alert. However, out of fear of a spinal injury, the Senior lifeguard phoned the British Coastguard to assist with the medical care.

A team of lifeboat volunteers who were at Redcar for the day assisted with the casualty care for an hour. The British Coastguard arrived shortly after and worked together with the Redcar lifeguards to move the casualty onto a spinal board and carry him to the paramedics at around 3:20pm.

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor Tom Pratt praised his team’s efficiency in providing casualty care:

‘Our lifeguards are well-trained in medical care and ensured they kept the casualty safe whilst waiting for the paramedics.

'Luckily, our lifeguards could easily help the casualty because he was at one of our lifeguarded beaches.’

'If you find yourself in trouble at one of our beaches, dial 999 for the British Coastguard who work closely with our team to keep you safe.'

For more information please visit:

https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

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For more information please contact Derry Salter, RNLI Media Engagement Placement: [email protected]

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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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