A 25-year-old hiker was rescued on the Rooikat Ravine trail, above Cecilia Forest, after she slipped and fell on Sunday morning.
Also read: WSAR rescues elderly hikers during busy weekend on Cape mountains
Dedicated teams from Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) responded to Constantia Nek.
The hiker, her husband and three friends had hiked up the jeep track from Constantia Nek to the viewpoint, before following the Rooikat Ravine path down towards Cecilia Forest.
While crossing a broken section of the path, eroded by the recent rains, she lost her footing and slipped, injuring both ankles.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a nature-filled glamping stay for four in the Overberg for R1 200 (valued at R1 500). Get it here.
Unable to proceed any further the group immediately called the emergency number.
While ground teams were getting ready to deploy, a trail runner was dispatched to find and assist the injured hiker.
He was quickly able to locate the patient and immediately updated the team.
‘Trail runners are able to cover distances much faster and provide valuable information to the responding team members,’ said David Nel, a spokesperson for WSAR.
‘He (the trail runner) used space blankets to warm the injured hiker and keep her comfortable until the rest of the rescuers arrived.’
‘When the rest of the rescue party arrived, she was assessed by a rescue paramedic before being placed into a stretcher.’
The team deployed the terrain-taming stretcher wheel and were swiftly able to carry her down the trail to a jeep track, where she was transferred to a SANParks – Table Mountain National Park vehicle, and drove back to Constantia Nek.
She was then driven to hospital by her husband.
‘The Cascade Rescue Company Terra Tamer stretcher wheel is a game changer for wilderness rescue,’ added Nel. ‘Stretcher carries are faster and require far fewer hands over steep and difficult terrain.’
‘This purchase would not have been possible without the kind generosity of others. This really shows how important donations are and the difference they make to our patients.’
‘We would once again like to thank everyone who contributed and made this purchase of this game-changing wheel possible.’
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
Also read:
Picture and Videos: SARZA Cape / WSAR Facebook