Palma jet ski drill: 3 serious casualties

Three simulated casualties were in serious condition after a jet ski hit a velomar in a bathing area at Playa de Palma on Friday, 25 September. The drill placed the collision 50 metres from the shoreline and involved four casualties in all. A lifeguard raised the alarm after the jet ski rider lost control during a high-speed manoeuvre and struck the craft, which carried two people.

Europa Press

One casualty was unconscious after drowning, another had multiple injuries and a third had an amputated limb. The fourth was treated as having superficial injuries.

Rescue teams test the response

The lifeguard’s alert was passed to the emergency services so available rescue teams could be coordinated. Palma Local Police, the National Police Corps, the Guardia Civil and the lifeguard service took part.

Teams first moved the casualties to a safe area and gave emergency medical care. In the exercise, the seriously injured people were then taken to hospital by a semi-rigid boat operated by Palma City Council’s lifeguard service.

A jet ski, rescue board, three rescue torpedoes, two oxygen therapy kits, a rapid-response vehicle and a basic life support ambulance were also used. Palma City Council said the exercise tested the readiness and coordination of the beach emergency resources set out in its rescue and lifeguard plan.

3 serious casualties: Palma drills jet ski crash

Rescue teams test the response