Largs RNLI volunteers complete intensive casualty care training
Largs RNLI volunteer crew members were joined by two volunteer crew members from Helensburgh RNLI to undertake intensive casualty care training at Largs lifeboat station.
Over the weekend the volunteer crew members took on the challenge of learning the skills, procedures and techniques required to pass the RNLI’s rigorous course. Spending a total of three days on station completing the practical training.
Largs RNLI was delighted to welcome Marc Kelly, RNLI Casualty Care Trainer, to the station to conduct the training.
The course is designed to enable crew members to provide correct and effective care to a casualty until such time as they can be handed over to the expertise of paramedics or doctors.
Sometimes the care given takes place in challenging conditions adding an extra layer of complexity to the training required by volunteers.
The training revolves around hands on practical applications employing the use of check cards to assist with carrying out the proper care. Allowing the crew to concentrate on the practical application of casualty care without having to try and remember complex procedures in the middle of a difficult rescue.
During the training each crew member must pass practical and written assessments to demonstrate their own individual skills. The final part of the assessments involves the crew members working in pairs together to assess and treat a casualty in a practical scenario.
The course goes beyond basic first aid and gives crew the confidence to know that when the time comes, they are well prepared to deal with whatever situation comes their way.
Largs RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths said: “I would like to thank Marc for the training he provided and to the crew who gave up their valuable time. Training like this is what allows us to save lives at sea'.
‘If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Notes to editors
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Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [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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