FAST thinking by RCR engineer helps a stroke victim.

Dean Burroughs

RCR engineers are known for their skills in diagnosing problems with boats but RCR’s junior engineer Dean Burroughs can add medical skills to his CV. Dean was recently attending a call to the refit of an outboard to a boat on the Weaver near Northwich when he noticed the owner beginning to slur his speech. 

Both Dean and the owners wife noticed but didn’t initially pursue the matter but a short time later Dean noticed the tell-tail facial droop associated with a stroke. With the owner now beginning to loose his balance Dean recognised the key pointers of a stroke and alerted the owners wife and the emergency services. The ambulance call takers assessed triaged the case over the phone and remained in contact providing advice and guidance until help arrived. Paramedics arrived on scene and they confirmed the diagnosis and rushed the gentleman off to hospital. Dean and his assistant Aaron Bushnell secured the vessel before leaving site after the ambulance crews left the scene. 

There is every chance that early intervention and the quick actions of the engineers may well have averted a more serious outcome as early intervention is imperative in the treatment of strokes. RCR understands that the member is now recovering in hospital and all at the company wish him well.

Continued growth and expansion for River Canal Rescue.

River Canal Rescue, the organisation which provides National Breakdown and Recovery for boat owners on the UK inland waterways, has recently moved offices. The move wasn’t too arduous as the Staffordshire based company has only moved next door. But, as RCR’s MD, Stephanie Horton said, “the address is the same as we have moved next door to bigger offices to accommodate staff increases and business development, but have taken our address with us.” However not all of the new staff members will need the extra space.

Two of the newest members of the RCR team are Sean West and Ralph Kitts who will spend all of their time attending calls in their respective areas. Sean, who is based in Stourport is ideally placed to cover his Midlands and River Severn patch. A former welder, fisherman and fully qualified boat builder, he loves the fact that his new job gets him out and about and dealing directly with customers. As he puts it, “not only are the customers really grateful when you sort out the problems, but our bosses at RCR also take the time to thank us for the work we do.” He went on to say, “It’s not many bosses would do that.”

Another new face is that of Ralph Kitts who covers around London up to the Northampton area. Ralph has been involved in all aspects of boats since he was 10 years old, and over the last 20 years has been a marine engineer running his own business. With a background like that it’s not surprising that RCR were more than keen to take him on. Since joining the national rescue team Ralph has found the work enjoyable, as he describes it, “doing what I know.” So with Ralph and Sean joining it would seem that RCR have added two more highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals to the team.

If you want to find out more about River Canal Rescue go to www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk or contact RCR’s head office on 0870 2078021.

End.

Editors notes:

Images of the new office can be found at,

http://picasaweb.google.com/RivercanalRescue/RCRNewOffice?feat=directlink

Imsges of the new engineers can be found at,

http://picasaweb.google.com/RivercanalRescue/NewEngineers?feat=directlink

RCR on a mission!

River Canal Rescue, the organisation which provides National Breakdown and Recovery for boat owners on the UK inland waterways, today revealed that it has embarked on a mission. Their aim is to increase the boating communities awareness of water safety and boating maintenance issues on the UK waterways.

A recent Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) review, which looked at incidents and issues faced by organisations like the RYA and the RLNI, revealed that the general lack of awareness about water safety needed to be addressed urgently. The RNLI also reported that the number of preventable incidents, where poor maintenance and mechanical breakdown resulted in a 'rescue' situation, were increasing, thus putting added strain on an important emergency resource.

Through their network of engineers RCR will be launching a program of practical demonstrations and presentations to highlight some of these important issues. All across the UK their engineers will give presentations on lifesaving safety information, essential boat maintenance tips and provide guidance on the best tools to carry aboard. This network of engineers has also been expanded with the addition of a number of new young faces to the team. Being aware of the lack of training opportunities for youngsters to obtain qualifications in the marine industry, RCR embarked on a training program which includes two years at college and four with a senior engineer, proving it’s not just Sir Alan Sugar who’s looking for an apprentice!

The information provided to course attendees is also available in note format and a special feature will be available each month on the RCR web site. Stephanie Horton, managing Director of RCR said recently "Ignorance is no excuse, lives are being put at risk and RCR is doing everything in its power to increase awareness and ease the pressure on such an essential emergency service".

To book a talk, receive a free information booklet or find out more please contact RCR head office on 0870 2078021.