A large team effort from the professionals and volunteers from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) resulted in the rescue of a foreign visitor who had collapsed while hiking up Platteklip Gorge on Monday evening.
Also read: Exhausted tourists airlifted from Table Mountain trail
Reports indicate that the 38-year-old German hiker and several friends embarked on the popular trail shortly before 4pm on Monday.
Shortly after reaching the trail’s halfway point, she started to feel unwell and collapsed.
WSAR rescue teams, including paramedics from the WC Department of Health & Wellness EMS and SANParks rangers, were immediately dispatched to the scene after members of the hiking group alerted the organisation via the emergency contact number (021 937 0300).
Upon arrival, the ill hiker was assessed and treated by a paramedic before being assisted into the rescue stretcher.
The rescue team then carefully navigated the steep trail in the dark, bringing her to safety with the use of a terrain-taming stretcher wheel together with a rope safety line.
Reaching the bottom of the trail, the collapsed hiker was carried to a waiting ambulance and driven to hospital.
WSAR reported that the incident was concluded shortly after 9pm.
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In light of the Easter long weekend, WSAR urging all mountain users to do so responsibly.
‘We’re expecting large numbers of local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts to take advantage of the Easter long weekend,’ said WSAR spokesperson David Nel, who wished the German hiker a speedy recovery.
‘We urge everyone planning to venture outdoors to do so responsibly and remember the golden rules.’
WSAR’s golden rules:
- Keep to the trails
- Dress appropriately
- Carry more water than you think you’ll need
- Stop and rest when you’re feeling tired
- Don’t wait, call WSAR sooner – 021 937 0300
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Picture: Jason Collins / Wilderness Search and Rescue WSAR Western Cape / Facebook