LIFEBOAT volunteers from Penlee RNLI assisted a casualty who had been diving near the Wolf Rock Lighthouse and started to feel the effects of ‘the bends’ (decompression sickness) whilst returning to Newlyn.

The vessel's skipper had planned to take the casualty to hospital but he started to deteriorate quickly and collapsed on the pontoon next to the lifeboat.

Three of Penlee volunteers sprang into action and administered medical assistance, Falmouth Coastguard were informed of the situation and tasked the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter to assist.

Due to the urgency of the situation the skipper of the dive vessel decided to drive the casualty to Penzance Heliport where the Search and Rescue helicopter had planned to land, rather than wait for an ambulance. Two RNLI volunteers went with the casualty to continue with medical assistance and to give directions.

The casualty was transferred to the helicopter and flown to DDRC Healthcare in Plymouth which delivers a 24/7 diving and hyperbaric medical emergency service.