Saving Lives at Sea: Series 7 Episode 7

In this video you’re welcome onboard with RNLI Clinical Operations Manager Richard Faulkner to learn more about the casualty care training our lifeboat volunteers receive. Get a closer look at the equipment we saw them use to in this week’s episode, including their casualty care cards, bandages and hypothermia blankets.

Swanage: A diver in danger

We began the episode in Swanage, as RNLI volunteers launched to the rescue of an unconscious diver pulled from the water at the Kyarra wreck. The all-weather lifeboat crew powered to the dive vessel, where the diver was being given oxygen, and a rescue helicopter arrived to airlift him to hospital.

Newquay: A fall from the rocks

Over in Newquay, RNLI crew members helped an injured woman who had fallen from the rocks at Holywell Bay. Two of the three crew are NHS paramedics, so took charge of her care and assessed her multiple injuries before requesting a Coastguard rescue helicopter to airlift her to hospital.

Swanage: An injury at sea

When a yacht crew member badly injured his hand, the volunteers at Swanage RNLI launched to his rescue. He was in considerable pain, but the lifeboat crew were able to clean and dress his wound, while giving him pain relief. He was then brought aboard the lifeboat and taken ashore, into the care of ambulance paramedics.

Kinghorn: A swimmer in distress

And finally, Kinghorn RNLI went to the rescue of a struggling swimmer, after several people called 999. The crew began their search, carefully avoiding sharp rocks and creel pot buoys, before finding the swimmer clinging to a buoyancy aid, 100m offshore.