White parachute flares were deployed from the high cliffs overlooking the bay, proving very effective at illuminating large sections of the shoreline. Overall, the exercise was very useful with all the search teams successfully and quickly locating their missing person “targets”.

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard.

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

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This morning, the volunteers of Skerries Coast Guard took part in a large scale search and rescue training exercise at Barnageera Beach. This beach is located two miles north of Skerries and with its varied terrain is an excellent location for such training.

The exercise was centered on the scenario of two paragliders colliding in mid air over the cliffs, while one paraglider lands safely on the clifftop, the second falls from view towards the beach. The Skerries team were tasked to search for this casualty, provide appropriate medical treatment and evacuate from the scene.

Once the casualty was successfully located and initial treatment provided, the Skerries team began the evacuation. As this scenario involved suspected spinal injuries, full spinal immobilisation of the casualty was undertaken. 

This realistic training exercise was very benefical for the Skerries team. Unfortunately, cliff falls are becoming an increasingly common rescue incident that the Skerries team are tasked to in their response area.

More photos are available in the photo gallery.

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