Lough Swilly RNLI volunteers complete simulated casualty care training exercise
The volunteer crew at Lough Swilly RNLI spent a Sunday morning doing scenario-based casualty care training, which enables them to practice in realistic, and often challenging environments, gaining valuable experience.
RNLI casualty care training provides volunteer crew with intensive, high-level first aid skills designed for challenging maritime environments. The training, which goes beyond standard first aid, focuses on practical, hands-on scenarios—including CPR, trauma management, and cold-water injuries—using specialised check cards for methodical care.
This exercise was designed to build confidence, allowing volunteers with varied backgrounds to deliver life-saving care in the most demanding conditions. First Aid scenario training, supports learning gained from the certified casualty care training, held at the lifeboat station every three years. Practical simulations such as these provide the crew members with the opportunity to refresh skills using the step-by-step RNLI check cards.
These exercises also give newer crew members an opportunity to observe how the kit and equipment are used and prepare them for the opportunity to complete the certified Casualty Care course, which is scheduled for Lough Swilly RNLI in the Autumn.
Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘When RNLI crews reach a casualty at sea or along the coastline, they often become the first medical responders on scene. Casualty Care training ensures that every RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew member can deliver immediate, effective treatment during the vital minutes or hours before an ambulance, coastguard helicopter, or other emergency service arrives.’
The volunteer crew explored three different scenarios on the day and followed the session up with a good debrief to share the learning across the different scenarios.
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RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Bridgita Kelly, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]
Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]
Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [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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