RNLI volunteers and police officers who saved the life of an unconscious man who had stopped breathing on Birnbeck Island are to receive an award for their bravery.
The patient was found slumped on the island and RNLI quarter Liam McDermott, David Ridout, Andy Stone and Dan Hawkins managed to save him.
They, along with PC Bayley and PC Carl Waltho, will receive awards for their actions from the Royal Humane Society (RHS).
Weston-super-Mare’s RNLI crew was called at about 5.30pm on December 14 following reports of a ‘distressed man’ being seen on Birnbeck.
The RNLI launched its lifeboat and headed towards the pier, where it was based for more than 130 years before moving due to safety concerns about the walkway.
A full search of the water around the island revealed nothing.
A RNLI spokesman said: “Upon accessing the island, the lifeboat crew and police immediately found the casualty conscious but slumped against the north side of a building.
“While the police attempted to rouse the casualty, plans were made to evacuate by boat, thus avoiding using the unstable pier. However while this was being organised the casualty suddenly deteriorated.
“The casualty was by now unconscious and his breathing had become very shallow so the lifeboat crew started to provide ventilatory support by bag and oxygen.
“Helicopter assistance was called for but this was 40 minutes away. By now the casualty had stopped breathing and such a delay would have likely resulted in the death of the casualty.”
The crew and police carried him along the ‘precarious’ pier to waiting paramedics, despite safety fears over the structure.
Mr McDermott will receive a certificate of resuscitation by the RHS. The others will get certificates of commendation.
Don Sutherland, chair of Weston Lifeboat Management Group said: “This is what our RNLI crews do. Despite the dangerous conditions they disregarded their own safety. Using the knowledge and skills they have developed from their training and with the dedication for which they are famous they have given this man his best chance of survival.
“I am so proud of all of them.”
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