Doctor retires from lifeboat crew
Amble lifeboat crew held a presentation at the lifeboat station in April, to mark the retirement of Doctor Alan Fraser from the volunteer role of Lifeboat Medical Adviser, a post he has held for the past 18 years.
As medical adviser he was responsible for the crews’ medicals and for providing first-aid and scenario training. During a rescue which required a medical evacuation, he would also be present on the crew.
Doctor Fraser, who has now retired from general practice, took over this post from Doctor Paul Creighton, (now also retired). Doctor Fraser’s place has now been taken by Doctor Kathleen Long. Doctor Long is a general practitioner at Amble’s Coquet Health Centre as were all the other volunteer doctors before her.
The photograph shows Mr Malcolm Pritchard (on the right) chairman of the Amble Lifeboat Management Team presenting the RNLI Certificate of Service and a painting by local artist Jimmy Thompson of the Four Boys, Amble’s all weather lifeboat to Doctor Fraser.
Mr Rodney Burge, Amble Lifeboat Operations Manager and ex lifeboat coxswain, who has served with Doctor Fraser said, “During Doctor Fraser’s long association with Amble lifeboat he had proved to have been of great assistance and although the post of medical adviser does not appear as high profile (in relation to the crew of the lifeboat) his service and that of all medical advisers is invaluable to the lifeboat crew and the RNLI”