One Crew in Action: Neuroinclusion during rescues

In our ‘One Crew in Action’ series, we share stories from across the RNLI about how people have made changes, taken new approaches or considered how they can promote and support inclusion.

In this article, we share a rescue story to highlight the importance of considering neuroinclusion in rescues. 

In 2024, the Margate crew took part in the rescue of a mother and her son, Paula and Henry. The crew worked with Paula to understand Henry’s neurodivergence and how to communicate with him to get him to safety. Lucy, who was a member of the crew that day, shares the approach and considerations that the crew took to safely bring Henry to shore.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been with the RNLI.

I grew up in a Cornish hamlet which is actually cut off by the tide twice a day, so I have always been influenced by the sea. I trained as a doctor and then moved to the South East to complete my trauma and orthopaedic surgery training. Whilst rotating around different hospitals, I moved house ten times in as many years, but always endeavoured to live near the sea whenever possible. Once I finally settled in Margate in 2022, I was able to join the RNLI as I had been so longing to do. The lifeboat provided me with a ‘tether’ to my community, after so long adrift in different towns. It offered a way to meet new people as well as give back to the area. The allure of going afloat was also quite irresistible.

Inclusion is important to us at the RNLI, what does it mean to you?

Belonging to the RNLI means being part of a huge melting pot of different people with different personalities, skills and experiences, but who unite in this venture to save lives at sea. Even in my relatively short time with the lifeboat, I have seen enormous progress with regard to inclusivity. I am delighted to see more women becoming helms, and hope to one day do the same. As an institution we are strengthened by our differences; the progress I have already seen bolsters me for the future.

Can you tell us about your recent rescue of Henry and Paula?

We were tasked to the rescue of a person in the water in difficulty. We soon learned that Henry was autistic and had limited speech, which meant the crew and I needed to consider an extra dimension to our communication approach as we proceeded with the incident. Henry had gone swimming in the tidal pool with his mum Paula, but due to the high tide, had been swept out beyond the walls and into the open sea. When we arrived, Henry was reluctant to return to the shore and there was growing concern about the current and the cold. Paula did the right thing by shouting for help – her husband was immediately able to call the Coastguard.

We tried a number of approaches to coax Henry toward safety, including inviting him for a spin in our boat. He was adamant that he did not want to get near the boat, which seemed understandable as it was unknown to him and probably quite noisy. Instead we used a different technique: chocolate. We learned that this was Henry’s favourite food and would provide a good incentive for going back ashore. Myself and Dan joined Henry in the waist-deep water and were able to wade with Henry back towards the slipway, where the Coastguard was waiting with a Mars bar (which I assume he kept for just such occasions).

Henry is neurodivergent and Paula praised the approach you took to helping Henry. Can you tell us a little more about your support of neurodivergent casualties?

We train for many different eventualities, but it is impossible to prepare for everything as no two casualties or rescues are the same. On the outbound journey we discussed strategies, and agreed that we would need to exercise patience and versatility however the situation might unfold.

When on scene, we turned to Henry’s mum Paula for assistance. As the person who knows him best, she was able to advise us how best to talk to Henry, about his likes and dislikes, and how to interpret his responses. Henry was able to observe the trust Paula had in us, and in turn felt able to trust us himself.

This was a challenging rescue which took some time to perform, but by working together with Henry and his mum, it became a successful and rewarding one for our crew. When approaching neurodiversity, I would say that it is important to be open to different ways of thinking and doing, but finding a common interest (like chocolate) also helps.

What would your top three tips be for people to consider inclusion in their role?

If you are considering inclusion, that is already a good start! Be curious, ask questions and invite contribution. If your intentions are genuine, people will offer invaluable feedback and be glad you asked.

What do you think the RNLI should focus on in terms of inclusion?

I would like to see the RNLI reaching the inner cities – focussing efforts on water safety and preventative measures. On our beaches, there can be a visible dichotomy between the coastal community and visitors from inland in terms of water safety awareness.

It would also be great to see RNLI attendance at more events (festivals, parades etc) in order to keep us current, present and for mutual support between communities of many kinds.

What do you have planned next?

Another season of RNLI rescues!