Fowey RNLI lifeboat launched to provide casualty care
On June 22 at 5.34pm Fowey RNLI lifeboat station received a call from the HM Coastguard requesting urgent assistance to a 70 year old man suffering from what was suspected to be a heart attack on Vault beach.
It was a very hot evening with calm seas when Fowey’s all-weather lifeboat was launched. When they arrived at the beach the volunteer crew launched their small XP inflatable boat from the all-weather lifeboat in order to get two crew onto the shore.
The Cornwall Air Ambulance was already at the scene and the paramedics were treating the casualty. They confirmed that while the symptoms were consistent with a suspected heart attack, they were probably a result of heat exhaustion.
The casualty and his wife were handed back to Fowey lifeboat which took them to Mevagissey, where an ambulance and paramedic were waiting. During the journey the casualty was given casualty care by the trained volunteer lifeboat crew, to monitor his condition. On arrival at Mevagissey the paramedic examined the casualty and then he and his wife were transferred to the ambulance. The lifeboat returned to Fowey station where the crew were debriefed and the lifeboat returned to service.
UK coastal areas are predicted to be even busier than last year, with a new study commissioned by the RNLI revealing that 35 million people plan to visit the coast this summer.
The study also found that 85 per cent of the UK adult population expect to visit the coast or use the beach or sea between now and the end of September – up from 75 per cent this time last year. Fowey RNLI are reminding anyone visiting the coast or going out on the water in hot weather conditions to ensure that they take an adequate supply of water and a means of shade. If you do see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
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.
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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.