DURDLE Door beach was cleared by emergency services to allow a helicopter to land after a person suffered a medical episode.

Ambulance crews, along with Dorset Police and Lulworth Coastguard and Kimmeridge Coastguard, were called to the tourist spot in Lulworth at 2.02pm yesterday (Sunday, July 18).

Local police officers, Lulworth Community responders and Lulworth Rangers cleared the beach in order to allow the coastguard helicopter to safely land onto the beach and reach the ill person.

Photos from the scene, taken by Graham Hunt, show how a large space was cleared to allow the helicopter to land as beachgoers looked on.

Bournemouth Echo: Coastguard helicopter on Durdle Door beach as holidaymakers look on. Picture: Graham HuntCoastguard helicopter on Durdle Door beach as holidaymakers look on. Picture: Graham Hunt

Emergency services saw that the person’s condition had deteriorated and the casualty was airlifted from the beach and into the car park.

The person was transferred to a waiting ambulance for further medical treatment.

Following the call-out, Kimmeridge Coastguard thanked local police officers for helping them navigate through the traffic queues and road closures.

A spokesman for Kimmeridge Coastguard said: “We were tasked at 2.02pm to assist Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team and SWAST with a person having a medical episode on the beach at Durdle Door.

“With help from Purbeck Police, Lulworth Community responders and Lulworth Rangers a very fast beach clear was carried out after an ETA of just four minutes was given for the arrival of rescue helicopter CG175 in order for them to safely land on the beach.

“The person’s condition had deteriorated and an immediate airlift was required to carry the person to an awaiting ambulance at the car park.

“After a stretcher carry to the helicopter and after the helicopter lifted, all resources were stood down.

Bournemouth Echo: The coastguard helicopter lands on the beach at Durdle Door in Dorset to deal with a medical emergency on an afternoon of scorching hot sunshine and clear blue skies. Picture: Graham HuntThe coastguard helicopter lands on the beach at Durdle Door in Dorset to deal with a medical emergency on an afternoon of scorching hot sunshine and clear blue skies. Picture: Graham Hunt

“A huge thanks to our colleagues from Purbeck Police for assisting us with an escort through the queues around Lulworth due to the roads being closed because of full car parks.”

South Western Ambulance Service Trust has been approached for a comment.