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For Galway RNLI crew, every day is a learning day

Lifeboats News Release

University of Galway Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility visit to the Galway Lifeboat Station

RNLI crew and representatives from University of Galway sitting on and standing in front of the inshore lifeboat which is on its trailer outside the Galway Lifeboat Station

University of Galway/Martina Regan

RNLI crew with Mike Smith, Prof Dara Byrne and Philip Parakal Augusthinose from the University of Galway Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility during a recent visit to the Galway Lifeboat Station. Back row from left: Mike Smith, Sean McLoughlin, Philip Parakal Augusthinose, David McGrath, Mike Cummins, Mike Swan Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Dan Murphy and James Rattigan. Standing from left: Ian Claxton, Helena Duggan RNLI Staff, Olivia Byrne and Prof Dara Byrne.

The volunteer lifeboat crew welcomed Prof Dara Byrne, Philip Parakal Augusthinose and Mike Smith to the station on Thursday (13 April) to see first hand how the RNLI station operates and how clinical simulation can enhance casualty care and first aid training. The visit was part of ongoing engagement between the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the RNLI crew.

Earlier this year volunteer crew member Olivia Byrne, who is also a nurse and helps deliver some of the first aid training to her fellow crew members, spent a half day in the University’s Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility putting skills learned into practice. Olivia said: ‘The technology in use at the University for learning is incredible. I was able to practise resuscitation techniques on full-body manikins which were programmed to simulate the very specific conditions that casualties that we rescue are exposed to such as water and cold. The manikins reacted to treatment as close to a real-life patient experience as is possible.

‘I was delighted to be able to show Prof Byrne and colleagues around our station and give them an insight into the work we do and how our training is used in practice. During their visit they met with the crew and were even able to see how we prepare for and launch our inshore lifeboat which was out on the water as part of our continual training and crew assessment.

‘I look forward to further collaboration with the University and am very grateful for the expertise they shared, the time that they dedicated to our RNLI crew and for a very generous donation of medical supplies. There are only three simulation centres of this type in Ireland with the newest and most advanced here in Galway. We are very fortunate to be based so close to this incredible facility.’

Professor Dara Byrne, Professor of Simulation, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences said: ‘We are delighted to support our friends and colleagues in the RNLI with simulation equipment and education. They are a dedicated and crucial part of the healthcare family providing essential emergency service and care.

‘They work as a team and interface with other emergency services so simulation can support their technical and non-technical skill requirements as part of their training programme. We are excited to begin a series of trauma talks and other activities with them and will be seeing them in the interprofessional simulation facility soon. A very exciting collaboration for us all and one that recognises the value and importance of the RNLI team and the support that they provide for our community.’

Mike Swan, Galway RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager added: ‘Lifeboat volunteers need and deserve the very best training and equipment to keep them safe when they launch to a rescue. Crews don’t just learn boathandling skills – they learn everything from navigation and engine repair to first aid and sea survival. We provide them with comprehensive training and recognised qualifications.

‘Our mission is to save lives at sea and we can only do that with the support of our community here in Galway. The University of Galway is an important part of our community and we appreciate the valuable support of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.’

Ends


Photo Captions

Many thanks to University of Galway for sharing these photos. Photo credit: Martina Regan.


Group of four standing outside the Galway Lifeboat Station with the inshore lifeboat in the background. RNLI volunteer accepting a large box of medical supplies which was donated by representatives from the University of Galway

University of Galway/Martina Regan

Olivia Byrne, volunteer RNLI crew member, accepting a donation of medical supplies from Mike Smith, Philip Parakal Augusthinose and Prof Dara Byrne from the University of Galway Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility, during a recent visit to the Galway Lifeboat Station. From left: Mike Smith, Olivia Byrne, Philip Parakal Augusthinose and Prof Dara Byrne.

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

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