Tag Archives: Skerries

Launch of major poster campaign!

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This week the Skerries Coast Guard crew celebrated the launch of the Coast Guard’s new poster campaign – “Your call could save a life”. This aims to inform the public about how to raise the alarm if they think someone is in difficulty on the coast. The poster also showcases the Coast Guard’s wide ranging Search & Rescue capability  including water rescue, Sikorsky helicopters, shore rescue and cliff rescue.

The Coast Guard would strongly advise members of the public, if they think that someone could be in difficulty on the coast or cliffs to contact the Coast Guard on 999 or 112. You will then speak directly to an experienced Coast Guard incident controller who will take all the details you have. Please do not hesitate, if you gunuinely believe that someone could be in difficulty then make that call.

The Coast Guard have an impressive array of state of the art search and rescue resources together with highly trained and dedicated crews. However, it is important to remember that these crucial resources cannot be deployed until the Coast Guard become aware that someone needs help. So it is that vital first link in the rescue chain that the Coast Guard are relying on the public’s help. To put it simply; Your call could save a life. 

This poster was designed and developed as a collaborative effort between the Coast Guard teams of Skerries, Howth and Drogheda with the ultimate aim of saving lives. Various public and commercial premises around Fingal have already put the poster on display. Our aim is to spread this vital message to as many people as possible and if you feel you could display the poster on a long term basis at your premises please contact us at skerriescoastguard@gmail.com

This week’s Fingal Independent includes an impressive two page article on this poster launch, featuring photos of the Skerries Coast Guard team – you can read the full article by clicking on the photo link above (opens in same window).

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Report of unmanned jetski adrift – 12th July 2011

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Skerries Coast Guard search and rescue

At 19:48 this evening, the volunteers of Skerries Coast Guard were tasked to investigate reports of an unmanned jetski adrift off the Balbriggan coast. A vigilant member of the public contacted the Coast Guard after spotting the object in the water some distance from the shore. The caller believed the object may have been an unmanned jetski adrift.

The Skerries Coast Guard team were immediately tasked to investigate the report. The primary concern in such cases is that the driver may have fallen from the jetski at speed and suffered serious injury. The Skerries team arrived at Balbriggan beach within minutes of the tasking and immediately began a shoreline search. The object was quickly identified and after detailed observation the team established it was a very small leisure craft, with persons on board. The vessel was not in difficulty and no further action was required.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, or even if you only think that someone could be in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Do not assume someone else had made the call.

Incident #16 of 2011

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Report of persons cut off by tide – 8th July 2011

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At 23:47 tonight the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate a report of persons stranded on Shenick Island, off the coast of Skerries. A concerned member of the public had spotted what they thought could be persons on the remote island. The island is frequently accessible on foot at low tides and unfortunately, in the past, members of the public have been caught out by the incoming tide.

The Skerries team were on scene within minutes and conducted a thorough search of the shoreline. The team did not observe anyone on the island or anything unusual in the area. Visibility in the search area was good with fair weather conditions. No further action was required and the team returned to base.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, or even if you only think that someone could be in difficulty. Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save a life.

Incident #15 of 2011

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Oxygen awareness training

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This evening, the Skerries Coast Guard team took part in oxygen awareness training. This interactive session centred on the use of oxygen in pre-hospital medical and trauma emergencies. Oxygen is one of the most commonly used medications in the pre-hospital emergency care environment.

The training session included an explanation of the different types of oxygen cylinders available and the important safety considerations with their use. The team took part in a practical instruction in the use of the common white CD portable oxygen cylinder, which holds up to 460L of compressed oxygen.

The brief also covered the range of oxygen delivery devices used in the pre-hospital emergency care environment, including; non rebreather mask, venturi mask, nebuliser mask, nasal cannula, and the bag valve mask (BVM). The appropriate flow rates for each mask was also discussed along with the resulting oxygen % delivery.

The team explored the vast range of pre-hospital emergency scenarios where oxygen is used and the special considerations required for COPD (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease) casualties.  The team also received a practical demonstration on the typical oxygen saturation (SpO2) measuring devices used in pre-hospital care, and their associated limitations.

Overall, the evening proved extremely informative and emphasised the importance of awareness of the use of this vital component of pre-hospital emergency care management.  

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