RNLI crew who helped rescue jetskier who suffered cardiac arrest off Calshot Spit receive special commendations
Rescuing a jetskier who suffered a cardiac arrest earned four Calshot RNLI crew members special commendations.
The accolades issued by RNLI medical director Aroop Mozumder, recognising the quartet’s quick-thinking actions during the incident in June last year, coincided with the recent Volunteer Week.
Responding to reports a male jetskier in his early 20s was in difficulty near Calshot Spit, they worked with crews from independent lifeboat Solent Rescue and the police marine unit.
The casualty was recovered from the water but while being transferred to shore, he suffered a cardiac arrest.
The Calshot RNLI crew immediately began CPR and stabilised him until paramedic teams, including the air ambulance, arrived.
The commendation cites: “Your determination and commitment to delivering excellent casualty care is recognised and truly represents the values of the RNLI.”
It was presented to Andy Headley, Chris McDonald, Damian Lester and Kelley Leonard.
Andy has been a crew member since 2011, helm since 2016 and a lifeboat training assessor since 2017, and is also a paramedic.
Chris rejoined the crew in 2021 after returning to the area and is now a trainee helm. He is a former commercial skipper and works at the nearby refinery as a process leader.
Having joined in 2008, Damian qualified as helm in 2021 and lifeboat training assessor in 2022. He works in the building maintenance sector.
Kelley joined in 2019 and works as an emergency care assistant for South Central Ambulance Service.
Andy, who was helm for the shout, said: “This was a real team effort. We brought the casualty to shore close to the station and all of the crew contributed to a positive outcome.”
Calshot RNLI lifeboat operations manager Jane Banting added: “It’s a testament to the commitment of our volunteer crew that when we need to apply the training in a critical situation, we can do so.
“I am incredibly proud of Andy, Chris, Damian and Kelley; the recognition for their efforts on this shout are richly deserved.”
