Arranmore RNLI assist in second medical evacuation in four days

Arranmore RNLI volunteer crew responded to a request from Malin Head Coast Guard at 10pm on Wednesday to assist in a medical evacuation from the island.

This is the second medical emergency to be evacuated by the lifeboat in four days. The casualty was brought to the lifeboat by the Arranmore Ambulance Emergency Medical First Responders, who also work on a voluntary basis and transferred to a waiting ambulance in Burtonport.

The casualty was then taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for assessment. Crew on board the lifeboat were, Relief Coxswain Karl O’Neill, Relief mechanic John McCafferty, John Boyle, Sharon O’Donnell, Pat Boyle, JJ O’Donnell, Finbar Gallagher and Seán Gallagher.

Relief Coxswain Karl O’Neill, above, from Portrush, said: “This is my third visit covering the Arranmore RNLI station and my second call for a medical evacuation from the island. I love coming to Arranmore as I find the place very peaceful and the scenery spectacular.

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“Also, the community on the island have a great volunteer ethos both as lifeboat crew and on the ambulance and their professionalism on both emergency services is praiseworthy. I would like to wish the patient a speedy recovery and thank the crew for their dedication in answering the call for help at all times.”