Galway RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew welcomed Prof Dara Byrne, Philip Parakal Augusthinose and Mike Smith to the station last Thursday (13 April) to see first-hand how the RNLI station operates and how clinical simulation can enhance casualty care and first aid training.
The visit was part of ongoing engagement between the University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the RNLI crew.
Earlier this year volunteer crew member Olivia Byrne, who is also a nurse and helps deliver some of the first-aid training to her fellow crew members, spent a half day in the university’s Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility putting skills learned into practice.
“The technology in use at the university for learning is incredible,” Olivia said. “I was able to practise resuscitation techniques on full-body manikins which were programmed to simulate the very specific conditions that casualties that we rescue are exposed to such as water and cold. The manikin reacted to treatment as close to a real-life patient experience as is possible.
“I was delighted to be able to show Prof Byrne and colleagues around our station and give them an insight into the work we do and how our training is used in practice.
“During their visit they met with the crew and were even able to see how we prepare for and launch our inshore lifeboat which was out on the water as part of our continual training and crew assessment.
“I look forward to further collaboration with the university and am very grateful for the expertise they shared, the time that they dedicated to our RNLI crew and for a very generous donation of medical supplies. There are only three simulation centres of this type in Ireland with the newest and most advanced here in Galway. We are very fortunate to be based so close to this incredible facility.”
Galway RNLI volunteer Olivia Byrne accepts a donation of medical supplies from Mike Smith, Philip Parakal Augusthinose and Prof Dara Byrne from the University of Galway Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility during a recent visit to the Galway Lifeboat Station | Credit: University of Galway/Martina Regan
Prof Dara Byrne, Professor of Simulation in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences said: “We are delighted to support our friends and colleagues in the RNLI with simulation equipment and education. They are a dedicated and crucial part of the healthcare family providing essential emergency service and care.
“They work as a team and interface with other emergency services so simulation can support their technical and non-technical skill requirements as part of their training programme. We are excited to begin a series of trauma talks and other activities with them and will be seeing them in the interprofessional simulation facility soon. A very exciting collaboration for us all and one that recognises the value and importance of the RNLI team and the support that they provide for our community.”
Mike Swan, Galway RNLI lifeboat operations manager added: “Lifeboat volunteers need and deserve the very best training and equipment to keep them safe when they launch to a rescue. Crews don’t just learn boat-handling skills — they learn everything from navigation and engine repair to first aid and sea survival. We provide them with comprehensive training and recognised qualifications.
“Our mission is to save lives at sea and we can only do that with the support of our community here in Galway. The University of Galway is an important part of our community and we appreciate the valuable support of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.”
