The day one of our Press Officers got stuck in the mud... three times!

Sophie Turner works as a press officer for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Her role is varied, sometimes stressful, always exciting, and brings different challenges every single working day.

On this particular day in May, Sophie had arranged for an HM Coastguard Mud Rescue Team to take part in a popular BBC children’s television show; CBBC Operation Ouch

“Our plan was to demonstrate how the trained professionals rescue people and then let the presenters of the show, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken have a go as part of Operation Takeover!” Sophie said.

As the Coastguard Team set up their rescue equipment and the production team set up their cameras, a volunteer was needed to go and get stuck. In the mud. Three times! Sophie stepped up!

Sophie continued “As I sat there, sinking slowly into the thick, chilly, slippery ground, I began to understand why people feel panicky about getting stuck. I also understood why the sight of the HM Coastguard team making their way towards someone in a similar predicament is such a reassuring one.

And I felt nothing but confidence in my colleagues. The Coastguard team demonstrated utter professionalism as they effortlessly came to my rescue, through the sludge, constantly reassuring me and checking I was ok.”

Sophie was gently removed from the mud, onto a stretcher, checked over for and injuries and then winched back to solid ground.

Sophie recalled, “Even though this was a training scenario, I felt what it would be like to be a casualty and I felt extreme gratitude.”

Next it was the turn of the presenters… to find out how that went, you’ll have to watch - CBBC Weds 4th October 17:30




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