Channel Coast RNLI volunteers complete intensive casualty care training
17 volunteers from Channel coast RNLI stations have now successfully completed the RNLI’s intensive Casualty Care Course, delivered in two groups across last week and this week. This training equips crew members with vital skills to support their lifesaving work at sea.
The three-day course, held at Littlestone RNLI 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 that our volunteer RNLI crew are prepared to deliver immediate and effective care in demanding environments, often before paramedics can arrive on scene.
Rosie Allen, RNLI Clinical Trainer, said: 'It's been great to work with volunteers from Littlestone, Dungeness and Hastings RNLI stations over the last two weeks and I’m delighted that every one of them successfully completed the course. Our aim is to train and prepare our crews so they can 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).
John Kenny, Littlestone RNLI volunteer lifeboat station manger, said: 'Rosie's work with us has been productive and very professional. Our crew now have the confidence to better help casualties when we are called out to sometimes very difficult circumstances. We are lucky to have excellent equipment, funded by the public, which helps us to save lives at sea. Our charity has a strong focus on training it's volunteers to maintain the high level of professionalism expected of the RNLI.
If you'd like to join us at Littlestone and help save lives at sea, please get in touch via. [email protected]'
This latest round of training significantly strengthens the casualty care capability of these three Channel coast stations, reinforcing the RNLI’s commitment to saving lives at sea through rigorous preparation and teamwork.
Notes to editors
There have been RNLI lifeboats stationed on the Romney Marsh coastline since 1826. Littlestone operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and Dungeness operates a Shannon Class all weather lifeboat.
To find out more about Littlestone lifeboat station go to
https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/littlestone-on-sea-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
John Kenny Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlestone Lifeboat Station on 07747-033443 [email protected] or Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected] or Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07483 488243 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or press [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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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