Campbeltown RNLI lifeboat crew assist a casualty on the way to the RNLI College
Four lifeboat crew from Campbeltown were quick to assist a gentleman who had been taken unwell on the South Western Rail service to Poole.
On Sunday 29 May, four volunteers from Campbeltown Lifeboat Station flew from Glasgow airport to Southampton Airport Parkway ahead of a crew emergency procedures course at the RNLI College, Poole.
Towards the end of their journey to the college, the four men boarded the South Western Rail service from Southampton Airport Parkway to Poole where they shared a carriage with a gentleman who suffered a hypoglycaemic episode.
Between the volunteer crew, they were able to assist the lady with her husband who needed assistance. The youngest of the four, Ross Conner, was able to quickly locate the guard to make him aware of what was happening in the train carriage.
One of the volunteers, Mathew Conley, assisted the lady with her husband, ensuring he was stable in his seat. He also provided reassurance to his wife during this difficult time.
The train was stopped before they reached Poole, and upon arrival at the platform, RNLI volunteers, Ben Miller and Keith Dickson, exited the train to quickly find staff to assist the couple on the train.
The couple were grateful of the help and were quick to contact the college to show their appreciation for the quick actions of the crew: ‘Dear Sir/Madam. Yesterday, my husband and I were fortunate enough to be sharing a rail carriage with some of your volunteers from Campbeltown when my husband suffered a hypoglycaemic episode. These young men were incredibly helpful and kind while this episode was ongoing, ensuring the guard was called, helping me with luggage and generally keeping a watchful and cheerful brief.’
Jill Hepburn, Head of Region (Scotland) at the RNLI, said: ‘This is true testament to teamwork and the selflessness that our crew demonstrate at all times.’
Campbeltown RNLI Coxswain, Ruaridh McAulay said: ‘Once again I would like to pass on my thanks to Mathew, Ben, Ross and Keith who, when required, did all they could to assist a person in need. They have proven themselves to be a real asset to the crew and I am very proud to know that when someone required help they assisted in what way they could.’
The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea, however the courses, skills and knowledge you gain from the courses can help you save lives anywhere.
Notes to editors
· Campbeltown lifeboat station has been operating since 1861. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/campbeltown-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
Carla Jackson, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.