In another successful operation by members of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), a hiker was rescued from a clifftop high above Camps Bay on Saturday.
Also read: Man who fell from Chapman’s Peak Drive lookout point identified
Teams from the WSAR were called to assist the 54-year-old woman from Cairn Ravine, the first ravine after the Kloof Buttress, on the Camps Bay side of Table Mountain.
The hiking group had been scrambling up a steep section of the route, when a member misstepped and fell 5 metres backwards, landing on the broken ground below.
“Fortunately, her backpack offered some protected, but her shoulder was injured, and she was unable to proceed,” explained WSAR spokesperson David Nel.
“A WSAR team on board the Western Cape Department of Health EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was immediately dispatched to the scene.”
“Once in position, a rescue climber and paramedic were hoisted from the helicopter, down to the patient.”
The rescue climber immediately constructed a rope safety point, to ensure that the team members and the patient were protected from falling off the ledge.
The patient was secured to a stretcher and hoisted up into the helicopter, before being flown to a nearby landing zone and handed over to a waiting ambulance. “When reporting any emergency, it’s essential that callers provide clear, appropriate information,” said Nel. “Speak clearly and don’t rush the information you’re trying to get across. This allows the control centre staff to dispatch the appropriate responses quickly, saving valuable time.”
“We wish our patients a full recovery and we thank all WSAR members for their continued commitment.”
“If anyone reading this does not yet have our number – 021 937 0300 saved on their phone, please do so immediately, and help us to reach others by sharing our posts on the #IAmWildernessSafe campaign.”
Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
Also read:
Stranded hikers saved in the dead of night on Table Mountain
Pictures: Fredy Mohorich and Brent Russel / Facebook