St Ives RNLI volunteers complete intensive Casualty Care training

The three-day course, held at the lifeboat station, covered a wide range of emergency care techniques including CPR, defibrillator use and the management of bleeds, fractures, burns and head injuries. Volunteers also learned to recognise and respond to cardiac chest pain, anaphylaxis, immersion‑related injuries and other life‑threatening conditions.

This qualification ensures RNLI crew are prepared to deliver immediate and effective care in demanding environments, often before paramedics can arrive on scene.

Leigh Anderson Sheard, RNLI Clinical Trainer, said: 'They were a great team to work with over the last two weeks and I’m delighted that every one of them successfully completed the course. While we hope these skills won’t need to be put into practice often, the crew now feel assured and prepared to respond swiftly and effectively if an emergency arises.'

The training also featured practical simulations using RNLI check cards (step‑by‑step guides that help crew members assess and treat casualties methodically during real rescues).

Tom Bolt, St Ives RNLI volunteer crew member, said: 'The training this week has been really productive and very professional. It gives us the confidence we need when heading out into the elements. We’re fortunate to have excellent equipment, funded by the public, and that makes it all the more important for us to keep up our training and maintain the high level of professionalism expected of the RNLI.'

This latest round of training significantly strengthens the station’s casualty care capability, reinforcing the RNLI’s commitment to saving lives at sea through rigorous preparation and teamwork.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Rob Cording-Cook, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.