Man Rescued by Lifeboat Told to Grab a Taxi to Hospital
RNLI Lifeboat Launches After Distress Call
On Friday night, a 70-year-old man was rescued from the sea off Hayling Island after a distress call to the UK Coastguard in Fareham. The RNLI lifeboat crew launched just before midnight to help the ailing pensioner in serious pain.
No Ambulance Available – Taxi or Private Car Only
Despite the man needing urgent hospital treatment, the South East Coast ambulance service told the Coastguard no ambulances were free. They were told to check if the man had money because he would have to take a taxi.
A paramedic on the RNLI crew confirmed the man was suffering from acute urinary retention and required emergency hospital care. Still, with no official ambulance available, the lifeboat crew took matters into their own hands.
RNLI Crew Drive Man to Hospital in Private Car
Ignoring the official advice, the heroic lifeboat crew transported the sick sea dog to hospital in a private car.
“The casualty definitely needed emergency hospital treatment,” said the RNLI paramedic.
The man is now on the mend after this dramatic rescue and improvised trip to hospital.
