The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) have published material displaying the moment they rescued a trapped young boy from the clutches of the often underestimated River Thames.
A rescue team was sent out on a Saturday evening after reports were heard of a child who had tumbled from the river’s bank near the Cutty Sark pub on Ballast Quay. It is thought he had been frolicking around on the embankment when he slid and fell onto the ground beneath.
Jai Gudgion, Tower RNLI lifeboat Helmsman, explained: ‘The ambulance service was already in attendance and they had requested the lifeboat as they were unsure how they were going to get the lad off the foreshore, given the height.
“Myself and volunteer crew member Adam Garland, who is a doctor, went ashore to help.”
“We took our orange basket stretchers to safely put the boy in and some blankets to keep him warm.”
“He was conscious as we helped treat him but obviously he and his parents were very shaken and worried, as any parent would be.”
“He had mud over his face and no obvious cuts, but paramedics were concerned about some swelling on his hip.”
Adam Robson, the RNLI Community Incident Reduction Manager for London, stated that, “It appears the young boy slipped and fell from the bank onto the foreshore.
“Watching the video really hits home that it’s every parent’s worst nightmare, not knowing how badly your child is injured and watching helplessly as emergency services care for them.”
“It’s not an easy watch, but if it reminds people to respect the water, and if it prevents even one person getting into difficulty or getting injured, we think it’s important to share it.”
The Basket Stretcher used in this much needed rescue operation is sturdy, supple and is used in many other types of rescue/recovery situations.
Tough fittings enable first-aid workers to function quickly and safely. With its distinct lifting sling apparatus, the stretcher is perfect for use with a helicopter hoist. It has an adaptable feet-securing device, safety belts, and a mattress as well for comfort.
Mass-produced with materials suitable for most working environments as well, it’s both fire-resistant and has high resistance to average wear and tear as well.
Ideal for relocating a victim safely in almost any rescue situation, it provides full body protection. These amazing basket stretchers can be dragged, carried, or lifted across rough or muddy terrain, both horizontally or vertically, without impacting upon the patient’s wellbeing either.
