UPDATE: The father of a man airlifted to hospital after a fall on Swanpool Beach has paid tribute to all who came to his rescue.

"I must sincerely thank the two men who got to him before I could," Paul Harris said, extending his thanks to the ambulance team, paramedic, coastguards "and of course the Culdrose helicopter team for all their support, hard work and professionalism."

He also thanked the people on the beach who offered his family lifts to the hospital.

"Our son was looked after by Treliske Hospital professionals and despite being cut, bruised and battered was eventually allowed home at midnight.

"The hospital staff were all fantastic. Best country and county in the world at its best. We thank you all most sincerely."

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A man was airlifted to hospital after falling on rocks near Swanpool Beach yesterday afternoon. 

(Scroll to the bottom for video)

Falmouth Packet:

(ABOVE) A search and rescue helicopter arrives

Falmouth Packet:

(ABOVE and BELOW) The casualty is placed on a stretcher

Credit: Anthony Casey

Falmouth Packet:

Unconscious and bleeding, the 21-year-old man was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske suffering from head injuries.

He fell from the rocks near Swanpool Point just after 2.30pm.

A spokesman for the Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team described it as a "fairly routine" operation.

"Because of where he was it was far easier to get a helicopter than bring him across the rocks and up the beach to an ambulance," he said.

Falmouth Packet:

(ABOVE and BELOW) The casualty and a winchman are hoisted aloft

Falmouth Packet:

Picture credit: Anthony Casey

(BELOW) The injured man is airlifted over Swanpool Beach Cafe

Falmouth Packet:

VIDEO:

Credit: Adam Snell

Pictures not already credited: Greg Fountain