IN one of their most unusual ‘shouts’ Barry Dock RNLI’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) raced to locate, assess and medevac two casualties on Sully Island, reported to have potentially ingested Hemlock.
The Coastguard raised the alarm on Saturday, 3rd May and the volunteer crew were told that the casualties, described as experienced foragers, were on the eastern beach.
On arrival, the casualties were showing signs of anxiety so the crew immediately fitted them with lifejackets to take them to the mainland.
Once ashore, they were handed to Barry Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT), who identified elevated pulse rates. Oxygen was prepared from the ILB’s supply, with an RNLI crew member staying to assist.
The officer in charge remained in contact with the ambulance service while the crew monitored the casualties. The casualties were then taken to A&E.”
Bill Kitchen, Lifeboat operations manager at Barry Dock RNLI said: “We’ve since been in touch and are very relieved to hear that both have made a full recovery. They absolutely made the right call in seeking help – in situations like this, it’s crucial that medical attention is sought without delay. We’re very glad this had a positive outcome.”
About Hemlock – Conium maculatum
A notoriously poisonous plant, hemlock produces umbrella-like clusters of white flowers in summer. It can be found in damp places, such as ditches, riverbanks and waste ground.
Scientific name
Conium maculatum
How to identify
A tall, upright plant, hemlock can be distinguished by the distinctive and unpleasant, mousy smell of its foliage and its purple-spotted stems. Its leaves are finely divided and large, and its flowers are small and white and appear in umbrella-like clusters.
When to see
May to July
– Source: The Wildlife Trusts
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