Valentia RNLI comes to the aid of a fisherman requiring medical assistance
Valentia RNLI came to the aid of a fisherman requiring medical assistance yesterday afternoon.
At 3.11pm (Thursday 17 September), Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI’s volunteer crew to launch their all-weather lifeboat and go to the aid of a fisherman requiring medical assistance on the old Kells Pier Foileye, Kells.
There was moderate visibility at the time, a two metre sea swell and a Force 7 southerly wind.
Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew became aware that the fisherman was in a location inaccessible to vehicles. Taking this into consideration, two crew members made it ashore to assist and carried out first aid on the casualty.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 from Shannon was also tasked to assist with transferring the casualty to the nearest hospital. Four lifeboat crew members along with members of the Iveragh Coast Guard Unit stretchered the casualty to a safe and accessible location in order for him to be airlifted by the helicopter. A detailed handover was given to Rescue 115 and the casualty was safely transported to University Hospital Kerry for further medical attention.
Speaking following the call out, Colum O’Connell, Valentia RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘The fisherman made the right decision in calling for help given his current fishing location and we like to wish him well for a speedy recovery. We would remind members of the public to always carry a means of communication and to let others know where you are going and when you will be due back. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
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