EVENTS at Durdle Door on Saturday have been described as “an afternoon none of our team will forget in a hurry” by a coastguard rescue team after people had seriously injured themselves jumping off the arch into the sea.
The crew from Lulworth Coastguard were one of the many agencies assisting in response to the critical incident at the Purbeck beauty spot.
Other emergency services who dealt with the casualties yesterday were South Western Ambulance Service, Lulworth First Responders, Kimmeridge Coastguard, Weymouth Lifeboat, Dorset Police, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Coastguard Rescue helicopters 175 and 187.
Alongside dealing with those injured jumping from the arch, police reportedly had to deal with “alcohol-fuelled minor scuffles” and a small but out of control fire from a BBQ.
Lulworth Coastguard were called at 3.50pm to assist the ambulance service with a casualty who had been pulled from the sea bed after jumping from Durdle Door.
In a post on Facebook, the team said: ”Arriving on scene, the team made their way down the steps to the beach, locating the casualty near to the base of the steps.
“He was receiving help from the medical professionals already on scene. Lulworth CRT began to create a landing site for the helicopter.
“The beach had thousands of people on it and we thank the majority of people who complied with our shouting to clear a helicopter landing site, a very difficult challenge. Helimed landed on the beach.”
The coastguard team were then made aware of a second casualty further down the beach who had also jumped from the arch. He had managed to “stagger back” to his friends before falling “very unwell”.
“The paramedics deemed his injuries very serious and requested that like the first casualty, he be flown to the major trauma centre in Southampton,” said the coastguard team.
“Team members and police now had to clear a second landing site for Rescue 175 which had been circling the area. The beach was cleared, many day trippers now on Scratchy Bottom beach.
“The second helicopter landed, unloaded their paramedic and stretcher before returning to base to refuel. The second casualty was carefully prepared for hospital.
“The first helicopter then left scene, flying at best speed to Southampton. The police then declared the beach to be closed. The thousands caught in-between the two landing sites now asked to leave the beach.”
A third male casualty, who had also jumped from Durdle Door, made himself known with serious injuries to his torso.
One of the five ambulance crews on site dealt with him and took him to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.
The coastguard helicopter returned and took the second casualty to Southampton Hospital.
However, Lulworth Coastguard discovered a fourth casualty on their return up the steps.
The woman, who was on the high ground above Durdle Door had a suspected broken ankle and due to gradient of the hill, a stretcher carry out was too risky.
Lulworth Coastguard said: “Coastgaurd Rescue 187 from St Athan was sent to the area. They dropped their paramedics on top of the hill and walked down to the lady. She was placed in a rescue strop and winched into the aircraft. They flew her to the top of the hill and transferred her to a land ambulance.”
The coastguard teams from Lulworth and Kimmeridge left the scene at 9.30pm, almost six hours after being called to the initial incident.
The post added: “We understand that four individuals jumped from Durdle Door yesterday, encouraged by the crowds on the beach. Two of which are now seriously injured.
“Upsetting scenes like we and many others witnessed yesterday illustrate how very dangerous tombstoning is. We couldn’t discourage it enough.
“Thank you everyone who helped in one way or another yesterday including the Lulworth Estate staff who, as usual, were integral to keeping traffic flowing aiding emergency vehicles entering the area. We wish all the casualties the very best.
“We would also like to reiterate our thanks to the vast majority of beach goers who were patient and cooperative in what was very difficult situation. Described as a critical incident by police.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel