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Wicklow RNLI volunteers undergo intensive casualty care training

Lifeboats News Release

Eleven volunteer crew members at Wicklow RNLI took part in intensive casualty care training at the lifeboat station recently.

Group shot of classroom training.

RNLI/Connie OGara

Classroom based theory

The crew took on the challenge of learning the skills, procedures and techniques required to pass the RNLI’s rigorous course. They gave up approximately 30 hours of their time over the course of two weeks to enable them to successfully complete the training. Wicklow RNLI was delighted to welcome Stephen O’Flaherty, RNLI Casualty Care Trainer, to the station to conduct the training.

The course is designed to enable crew to provide correct and effective care to a casualty until such time as they can be handed over to the expertise of paramedics or doctors.

Sometimes the care given takes place in challenging conditions adding an extra layer of complexity to the training required by volunteers.

The training revolves around hands on practical applications rather than concentrating on complex theory. The RNLI employ the use of check cards to assist its volunteers in carrying out the proper care. This allows the crew to concentrate on the practical application of casualty care without having to try and remember complex procedures in the middle of a difficult rescue.

During the training each crew member must pass practical and written assessments to demonstrate their own individual skills. The final part of the assessments involves the crew members working in pods together to assess and treat a casualty in a practical scenario.

The course goes beyond basic first aid and gives crew the confidence to know that when the time comes, they are well prepared to deal with whatever situation comes their way.

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Mary Aldridge said: “I would like to thank Stephen for the training he provided and to the crew who gave up their valuable time. Training like this is what allows us to save lives at sea'.

Ends

Two volunteers training with a manequin for CPR

RNLI/Connie O'Gara

CPR
Two volunteers tend to a person with an injured hand

RNLI/Connie O'Gara

Treating an injured hand
Volunteers getting entenox ready and the open first aid being used

RNLI/Connie O'Gara

Setting up the entenox
Two crew members carrying out an assesment of a casualty

RNLI/Connie O'Gara

Carrying out an assessment

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.