Dramatic multi-agency rescue on Waterford beach
Members of Tramore Lifeboat, the Coast Guard, lifeguards and Gardaí pictured bringing the casualty to the Rescue 117 helicopter
Members of Tramore RNLI were among a number of emergency service personnel who assisted in a multi-agency rescue on Tramore Beach, in Co Waterford, on Saturday, July 20, after a person sustained a hip fracture.
A spokesperson for the organisation told Waterford News & Star that pagers, alerting the volunteer lifeboat crew, were activated at 12.45pm requesting the launch of the inshore lifeboat.
Tramore Coast Guard and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 117, from Waterford were also deployed.
The lifeboat, helmed by Fergal McGrath along with Dave McGrath, Noirin Phelan and Ward Griffin onboard, made their way to Tramore beach where another crew member, Connor McCarthy, a qualified physiotherapist, was on scene with Tramore lifeguards.
“Connor oversaw and assisted the lifeguards in making the casualty comfortable on a stretcher,” said the spokesperson.
“The volunteer crew, who are all qualified first responders, assisted the Coast Guards, lifeguards, and the paramedic from Rescue 117, which had landed on the beach, in placing the casualty on a stretcher and bringing them to the helicopter,” he added.
The helicopter then took the casualty direct to University Hospital Waterford for further treatment.
Speaking following the call out, Tramore RNLI Helm Fergal McGrath said: “We would like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery. This was a well carried out multi- agency rescue and it was great to see everyone working together to bring the casualty safely for onward treatment.” “As we continue to enjoy the summer holidays, we would remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy themselves but to go prepared,” said Fergal.
“Always check weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back,” he added.
He went on to comment: “Carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
