A German tourist was injured in a paragliding accident at Gericke’s Point in Sedgefield earlier this week. Shortly after 5pm on Monday, NSRI Wilderness was alerted to eyewitness reports of the incident.
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The NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) and ARCC (Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre) were notified, while the NSRI Wilderness duty crew, rescue vehicle, lifeguards, WC Government Health EMS rescue squad and EMS rescue paramedics, a Metro Rescue all terrain vehicle, Knysna Fire and Rescue Services, and ER24 ambulance services were activated.
Rescue resources responded, and upon arrival at Swartvlei Beach, the NSRI all-terrain rescue vehicle was used to transport rescuers and equipment closer to the scene along the beach.
As more rescue resources arrived, a Metro Rescue all-terrain vehicle transported more people, resources and equipment.
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Reaching as far as the rescue team could go by vehicle before being unable to proceed any further due to rocky terrain and the peak of high tide, the rescue party then hiked to the casualty while additional responding rescue resources were collected and ferried to the nearest landmark (to be hiked) to join in the rescue operation.
The first rescue team to arrive at the accident scene, on rocky terrain, began treating a male paraglider (50), who had suffered serious injuries after colliding with a rocky sand dune while paragliding.
Paramedics stabilised the patient on the scene before securing him in a Stokes basket stretcher and hiking to where rescue vehicles were waiting, assisted by paramedics and public members.
A Metro Rescue all-terrain vehicle transported the patient along the beach to the Swartvlei Beach parking area.
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The patient was transported to the hospital in a serious but stable condition via ER24 ambulance.
All emergency services involved were commended for their prompt response and cooperation during this rescue operation (made difficult by the remote location and terrain).
The public members who assisted were also commended for their willingness to assist and lend a helping hand.
In stable condition, the patient is still being cared for by doctors and nurses in the hospital.
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Picture: NSRI