Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat volunteers complete specialist casualty care training

Under the experienced guidance of RNLI Casualty Care Instructor, Nick Darlison, the volunteer lifeboat crew were trained in how to use the specially designed RNLI Casualty Care check cards to carry out the assessment of a casualty.

The check cards follow precise steps to ensure nothing is missed, enabling the crew members to assess how best to preserve life, prevent deterioration and promote recovery.

Over the 3 days of training, volunteers use the check cards to consider the mechanism of injury and assess the casualty's response. This initial assessment helps indicate the severity of the casualty's condition and what steps should be taken next. This is then efficiently followed by checking for any life threatening bleeding, securing an air way and preserving the air way.

A further assessment guided by the check cards then takes the crew through checking breathing rate, capillary refill and methodically examining the casualty from head to toe to identify any further potential injuries.

All of which allows the volunteers, who may have no previous medical training or experience, to assess each casualty thoroughly and administer a high-level of the most appropriate first aid.

As part of the Casualty Care training the volunteers are able to administer oxygen, some pain relief including; Entonox, Penthrox, Paracetamol and Aspirin, and they can also administer Salbutamol.

This high level of first aid training enables the volunteer lifeboat crew to help manage casualties and either treat them there on scene until they begin to improve, or attempt to prevent deterioration and preserve life until they can be handed over to medical professionals for further treatment.

Their training enables them to be able to complete effective CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and help deal with; unconscious casualties, choking, bleeding, fractures, chest injuries, burns, head and spinal injuries, convulsions, stings and bites, cardiac chest pain, asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, diving related incidents, sea sickness, strokes, drowning and cold and heat exposure.

Port Talbot RNLI volunteers were also joined by volunteer crew from Porthcawl RNLI and The Mumbles RNLI during the training, so that flanking stations can seamlessly work together to save lives at sea whenever required.

At the end of the course, Port Talbot RNLI presented Nick with a crew jacket and thank you card for his service, as this was Nick's last visit to the station before his retirement.

Rachel Thomas, Port Talbot RNLI Launch Authority said:

‘Completing our Casualty Care training with my fellow crew has empowered me to know we can all apply a high level of first aid depending on what condition we may find a casualty in.

There is a lot to learn and take in, but it’s brilliant training that instils confidence and strong teamwork. Everyone at Port Talbot RNLI would also like to thank Nick for delivering our training and wish him all the very best for his retirement.’

On 4 March 2024 the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea and providing care to those in need. This is only possible due to donations from generous supporters, and dedicated volunteers giving up their precious time to help others.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Ceri Jeffreys, Lifeboat Press Officer for Port Talbot RNLI on [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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