Casualty found injured on beach in Cornwall and airlifted to hospital
Bude volunteer lifeboat crew were finishing a training exercise on Sunday, when a passerby raised the alarm
A woman has been airlifted to hospital after suffering injuries on a beach in north Cornwall.
The casualty was found beyond the breakwater at Bude on Sunday, having fallen near Ocean Caves.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were in finishing a training exercise at Summerleaze, when a passerby raised the alarm.
Bude RNLI lifeguards and the Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were also scrambled, along with the Devon Air Ambulance.
Crews cleared and closed the breakwater to allow the air ambulance to land, after deciding the woman should be flown to hospital for treatment.
"Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were paged at 11:27 on Sunday morning following the report of an injured female in the region of Summerleaze Beach.
"As the team proceeded to the incident, further information was received indicating that volunteers from the Bude Lifeboat, who had been on a regular training exercise at the time, had initially been approached by a member of the public who had sought help for the female, who had fallen close to the Ocean Caves just to the south of the breakwater.
"Along with members of Bude RNLI Lifeguards who had also been summoned by the lifeboat crew, paramedics from the Devon Air Ambulance Trust had also since arrived on scene, having been deposited by the helicopter on the beach.
"The helicopter had then landed on the cliff-top whilst a medical assessment was taking place.
"Once the Coastguard team were on scene, rescue officers liaised with the helicopter paramedics, forming a plan for the casualty's evacuation.
"With the casualty having been carefully placed into a stretcher by the paramedics, and her condition being monitored consistently, coastguard rescue officers, along with members of the lifeboat crew and lifeguards, then proceeded to clear the immediate vicinity in preparation for the helicopter's return to the beach.
"Prior to the helicopter returning, coastguard rescue officers carefully carried the casualty onto the beach and into a safe and sheltered position to the south of 'Whale Rock'.
"Once the helicopter had landed on the beach in front of the breakwater, rescue officers and the paramedics then carefully carried the casualty to the waiting aircraft.
"With the casualty safely on board, and having fallen back to maintain a safe perimeter for the helicopter to depart to North Devon District Hospital, the rescue officers then had a short debrief before being stood down".
Bude Coastguard Rescue Team
Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) Liam Sharpe said: "There are lots of hazards near the coast and accidents are common.
"Whether you are planning to enter the water or going for a coastal walk please ensure that you know what to do if you get in trouble at the coast or see anyone who is.
"Always take a means of calling for help (in case there are no lifeguards to alert) phone 999 and ask for the coastguard.
"The coastguard will ensure the correct help is sent.
"On behalf of all the crew I'd like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery".
Liam Sharpe, Lifeboat Operations Manager