
Clifden RNLI volunteer thanks fellow crew for coming to his rescue
Clifden RNLI lifeboat crew go the rescue of their fellow volunteer when he becomes unwell at sea.
Recently John became very unwell while out at sea and required urgent medical treatment, it was thanks to the quick actions of his friends and fellow RNLI volunteers that a more serious outcome was avoided.
At that moment his mobile phone rang, John answered saying "Digger, I'm in serious trouble" and then collapsed. John barely had the energy to answer the phone call from his friend and fellow RNLI volunteer James Mullen (known locally as Digger) but that chance call set off a multi-agency operation involving Clifden RNLI, Cleggan Coast Guard, Rescue 118 and the National Ambulance Service and saw John being treated in the Emergency Department of Mayo University Hospital in under an hour and a half.
John was stabilised by NAS Advanced Paramedics and then transferred to Rescue 118 to be airlifted to Mayo University Hospital, all the while being cared for and reassured by his friends and fellow crew.
"I'm so grateful to the National Ambulance Service and Coast Guard personnel for the multi-agency response and also to local fisherman Johnny King and Seamus Concannon from Inishbofin Ferries who were first on the scene and were a huge assistance.
"Most of all I'm incredibly proud to be part of a team that makes such a huge difference to people's lives, when you are in a very vulnerable situation it's a huge relief to see the lifeboat crew and know you are in safe hands. I'm sorry for giving you all such a fright and promise not to do it again."
ENDS
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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