A 70-year-old British hiker was rescued after a serious fall while hiking the popular Platteklip Gorge trail on Table Mountain on Tuesday afternoon, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The incident occurred as the man and his wife neared the summit when he lost his balance and fell backward down the steep rock steps of the trail.
A passing Good Samaritan, witnessing the injured man’s inability to continue, quickly called the emergency number (021 937 0300). In response, a dedicated team from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), along with other professionals and volunteers, mobilised to assist.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway staff, together with SANParks – Table Mountain National Park rangers, rushed to the scene to provide initial assistance.
A specialised rescue team, including a paramedic from the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness Emergency Medical Services (EMS), was dispatched to the site via the Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter.
The team was hoisted down near the injured hiker, who received immediate medical care before being placed into a rescue harness and airlifted to safety.
Once flown to a nearby landing zone, the hiker was transported by an ER24 EMS ambulance to a hospital for further treatment.
His wife, meanwhile, was escorted up the remainder of the trail by a Table Mountain Aerial Cableway staff member and brought down the mountain via the cable car.
The prompt response from rescue teams, rangers, and bystanders was crucial in ensuring the hiker received the necessary care without delay.
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Picture: WSAR/Facebook
