Multi-agency response to Dancing Ledge after person falls from ledges

The D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) arrived at the scene to find local coastguards with the casualty, who was on a sea-level ledge after their fall. Paramedics and an air ambulance were also at the scene as first aid was given and an evacuation plan formulated.

Various options were available; evacuation by sea, by land, or by air. After a short time it was agreed to prepare the casualty for air ambulance transport to the landing site in Poole, where further transport to hospital would be provided.

When the air ambulance was preparing for take-off two paramedics were transferred via the ILB to the Shannon class lifeboat (ALB) for an easier trip back to Swanage, avoiding a climb and long walk out to Spyway Barn. The lifeboats returned the paramedics to Swanage, where they were re-united with their equipment, before re-housing and washing down.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Dave Turnbull, Robert Aggas, Steve Williams, Becky Mack, Roydon Woodford, Duncan Youngs
ILB Crew: (Helm) Fergus Holley, Darren Tomes, Phil Palmer
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Nigel Bower, (Winchman) Paul Meacham, Jeremy Stein, Neil Collings

For more information please contact: Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected] Charmaine Tideswell, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected] Regional Media Manager Hatti Mellor, [email protected] RNLI press office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

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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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