Baltimore RNLI provides second medical evacuation from an island within two days
Baltimore RNLI were called out to provide a medical evacuation last night (Monday 31 July) from Cape Clear Island off the coast of West Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 9.08pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medical evacuation for a visitor to the island who was in need of medical assistance.
The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at North Harbour on Cape Clear Island at 9.33pm and after the casualty was assessed by the Casualty Care lifeboat crew member, he was transferred onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat departed Cape Clear Island at 9.42pm and returned to the station in Baltimore arriving at 10.09pm. The casualty was then handed over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew.
There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Jerry Smith and crew members Kieran Collins, Brian McSweeney, Colin Whooley, Emma Geary and Stuart Musgrave. Conditions during the call out were good with a north westerly force 5 wind, smooth sea and good visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘This is the second medical evacuation (medevac) carried out from an island within two days. On 30 July a man on Sherkin Island who had suffered an injury required the lifeboat to bring him out to the mainland for treatment. Baltimore RNLI provides a vital service to those living, working or holidaying on an island who are in need of medical assistance. If you find yourself in a emergency whilst on an island call 999 or 112.’
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RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872906607 or email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]
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The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.
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