A BOURNEMOUTH lifeguard has saved a man’s life while on holiday in Majorca.
Chris Lemmer, 25, who works with the RNLI at Boscombe, sprang into action when a man in his 60s was dragged unconscious and blue from the water.
And his 30 minutes of vital first aid ensured the German victim survived the ordeal.
Chris, who was taking a break with his girlfriend and family, dashed to the water’s edge after hearing screaming and shouting and seeing people holding on to someone.
“I ran over and saw the casualty. We managed to get him up on to the beach and I immediately started resuscitation,” he said.
“I was doing compressions on his chest for almost 15 minutes until the local lifeguards and other people came over to help. “It was very full on, especially as I was the only English speaking person so communicating with the Spanish lifeguards and paramedics was very difficult.”
Chris continued to help by maintaining the man’s airway and by the time he was taken to hospital after a further 15 minutes, he was conscious and talking.
He added: “It was the first time I’d ever done resuscitation in a real-life emergency situation and I was on my own – on the beach in Bournemouth I’m used to being part of a team where people can assist. “The training instantly kicked in – I didn’t think twice.”
His speedy actions in the incident on October 6 have been praised by Dorset’s RNLI manager Simon Crayfourd who said: “His response and efforts were extraordinary and a testament to the RNLI and the training the charity provides.
“For Chris to deal with a resuscitation situation for the first time, in a foreign country where language was a barrier, and take control of the situation so professionally is a huge achievement which he should be very proud of – we certainly are.”
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