Services respond to island medical emergency

EMERGENCY services responded to a medical emergency on Clare Island earlier today after an islander fell ill.

Achill Island Lifeboat was tasked by the Irish Coastguard to assist their rescue helicopter with the medical evacuation of an elderly resident who had suffered a suspected heart attack.

The crew went ashore and assisted the helicopter paramedic with the transfer of the patient from his home to the island helipad, from where he was subsequently flown to Mayo University Hospital.

The crew, in an update on their Facebook page, wished their friend across the bay a speedy recovery.

It's been a busy few days for Achill lifeboat who assisted three jet skiers in difficulty on Clew Bay over the weekend.