RNLI Aberdyfi rapid response helps man following serious beach injury

The alarm was raised by the Harbourmaster, who alerted HM Coastguard. At 2.05pm, RNLI Aberdyfi's volunteer crew were tasked to launch immediately to provide casualty care.

The B Class inshore lifeboat Hugh Miles was launched within minutes in sunny but windy conditions and made its way to the casualty's location on the beach, just west of the lifeboat station. Two volunteer crew members, both highly trained in casualty care and carrying essential medical equipment, went ashore to assess the casualty. On arrival, members of the public had already wrapped a towel tightly around the wound and were applying pressure to the casualty's armpit to help stem the bleeding.

The crew quickly carried out a casualty assessment and recorded vital observations before carefully removing the towel and applying trauma bandages to control the bleeding. Shortly afterwards, two Community First Responders arrived on scene, followed by a Welsh Ambulance Service fast response paramedic, to whom the crew handed over the casualty.

The Wales Air Ambulance, Helimed 61, then landed nearby. The doctor on board took over the casualty's treatment and, while examining the wound, the bleeding began again. The wound was stabilised before the decision was made to airlift the casualty to hospital for further specialist treatment.

Volunteer crew member Oli Simmons said:

‘An uncommon call out for us. The gentleman had slipped when opening a beer with a knife and given himself a deep wound. Members of the public had done a great job in stemming the bleeding until we arrived.’

‘With support from our colleagues in Community First Responders, the Welsh Ambulance Paramedic and the Air Ambulance crew, we got the gentleman patched up and taken onwards to receive further treatment. A great outcome and a reminder to use the right tool for the job!’

RNLI Aberdyfi would like to thank everyone involved in the multi-agency response, particularly the members of the public whose quick thinking and immediate actions helped control the bleeding before emergency services arrived.

The incident highlights the value of rapid teamwork between volunteers, emergency services and bystanders in helping to achieve the best possible outcome for the casualty.

Notes to editors

• RNLI Aberdyfi lifeboat station has been operating since 1853. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Aberdovey Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations
• Aberdyfi’s lifeboat is a B Class inshore lifeboat named Hugh Miles

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Gemma Nock, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Aberdyfi Lifeboat Station, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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