Three RNLI lifeboat stations involved in joint training exercise.

In attendance was the Atlantic 85 B-Class inshore lifeboat from Abersoch, the Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat from Pwllheli and the Tamar Class all-weather lifeboat from Porthdinllaen. The volunteer crew from the three stations rendezvoused at the scene at 10.30am.

A multi-team briefing, involving a number of volunteers from the three stations, was completed and the details of the training rescue were issued.

The exercise scenario simulated a cliff fall and landslide at Porth Meudwy, near Aberdaron, involving multiple mock casualties of different ages with a range of staged injuries. In the scenario, the access road was blocked by the landslide, meaning no Coastguard Rescue Team support could reach the area. The helicopter was also deemed unable to land or hover due to the simulated unstable cliff face, requiring all casualties to be evacuated by sea. Because of the location, only line-of-sight communications were assumed to be available. As part of the exercise, the Coastguard requested that one of the all-weather lifeboats take on the role of On-Scene Commander (OSC).

The exercise focused on: OSC duties (using the Porthdinllaen Tamar-class lifeboat), casualty care and triage, deployment of the Y-class boat (used as a small tender from larger RNLI all-weather lifeboats), communications, stretcher handling, and search, locate and assist tasks.

The exercise was carried out using volunteer real life casualties onshore and ‘Dead Fred’ man-overboard rescue training dummies were used for all stretcher work.

Abersoch RNLI volunteer helm, Andy Gunby, took part in the joint training exercise and said, ‘This was a very productive exercise bringing together the skills from all three stations with four different types of lifeboats plus a recently qualified coxswain (Anton Hook) from Pwllheli RNLI.’

Andy Gunby added, ‘Huge thanks to all of the casualty volunteers who helped us trial our transition from the RNLI multi-casualty triage to the adoption of the national ‘Ten Second Triage’ principles which will result in a more cohesive operation when working with partner agencies. Well done to all our crews, volunteers and casualties who took part in what was a very rewarding and worthwhile exercise.’

Ten Second Triage (TST) is a rapid, simplified method for prioritising casualties at a multi-casualty incident, designed to be used by all responders and consistent with the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP). JESIP is a framework for how different emergency services work together at major incidents, and TST provides a common, quick language for medical triage to improve a coordinated response.

Wayne Carter, lifeboat crew member from Pwllheli RNLI said;

‘The joint exercise was extremely useful for consolidating important skills and provided an excellent opportunity to refine casualty care and multi-agency coordination, ensuring we can work seamlessly with partner agencies to save lives at sea’

Newly qualified coxswain (Pwllheli RNLI) said, ‘You never forget your first time! Sunday was my first exercise in command as coxswain, and I’m proud of how well all three stations worked together. Huge thanks to the crews and volunteer casualties for giving up their time, it was a brilliant learning experience and will serve us well when we’re called to real emergencies.’

The RNLI’s lifesaving work relies on the dedication of its volunteers and the generosity of the public. Training exercises like this ensure that crews remain prepared for the complex and unpredictable emergencies they may face. The three stations extend their thanks to everyone who supported the exercise and remind anyone heading to the coast to always check local weather and tidal conditions and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency.

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.

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