A major emergency incident was sparked when a tourist died following a medical emergency in Swanage on Tuesday 15th August 2023.
Five ambulances, three police response vehicles and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were scrambled to Swanage after a man was treated on the beach by RNLI lifeguards.
An emergency call for help was made from Swanage Information Centre
Lifeguards provided a critical first response
Despite a fast response from the RNLI lifeguards and emergency services arriving within minutes following an emergency call from Swanage Information Centre, the man sadly passed away.
Mr Culvin Milmer, visitor services manager, said:
“I would like to thank all those people who were involved in trying to help the gentleman and his wife, who had been visiting Swanage.
“This included a wide range of people, but particular thanks go to the RNLI Beach Lifeguards who provided a critical first response and to the emergency services who arrived within a few minutes.
“I am proud of Swanage Town Council staff who did everything they possibly could to support all involved.”
Responding immediately, the air ambulance arrived in Swanage within minutes
“There were no suspicious circumstances”
A 999 call for assistance was made from the Information Centre shortly before 3pm on Tuesday afternoon after it is believed that the man was pulled out of the sea.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said:
“At 2.51pm on Tuesday, 15th August, Dorset Police received a request from the ambulance service for assistance with a medical emergency.
“Sadly, a man was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin were made aware. There were no suspicious circumstances, and the coroner has been notified.”
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance spent an hour at King George’s Playing Field before heading back to base
Air Ambulance landed at King George’s field
The Air Ambulance landed at King George’s playing field, Swanage, shortly before 3.15pm and remained there for just over an hour and a quarter before making its way back to its base at Henstridge airfield.
Multiple emergency vehicles which responded to the call were parked along the seafront outside the Information Centre for more than an hour during the afternoon.
An inquest is expected to be opened into the death in the coming days.
