In a heart-stopping moment on Sunday morning, a passing trail runner became a hero after assisting a 66-year-old Belgian tourist who collapsed while hiking on the lower section of Platteklip Gorge, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The alarming incident unfolded shortly after the woman and her husband began their journey from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Cable Station under the sweltering sun.
The couple was enjoying a scenic hike when the woman suddenly began to feel weak. Unable to continue, she sat down and lost consciousness for a brief moment signs that suggested a possible heat-related illness. After regaining awareness, she vomited, prompting immediate concern.
Fortunately, Stephanie Crossland, a trail runner from the West Coast Athletic Club, happened upon the scene and quickly recognized the severity of the situation.
Drawing on lessons learned from a recent safety talk hosted by Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), she acted decisively, calling the emergency number 021 937 0300 to alert rescuers.
While waiting for help to arrive, Crossland took immediate steps to protect the woman from further sun exposure. She retrieved a space blanket from her running pack, fashioning a makeshift sun shield that provided vital relief until professional medical assistance arrived.
When WSAR’s rescuers reached the scene, they assessed the woman’s condition and employed wet towels to cool her down.
A paramedic from the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS was on hand to provide expert care before the woman was carefully transported down the trail on a makeshift stretcher, or ‘piggy-back’, to an awaiting ambulance. Shortly after noon, the emergency was concluded as she was taken to hospital for further treatment.
WSAR also extended its gratitude to Medhold Medical for their generous donation of emergency space blankets, some of which had been distributed during the club’s safety evening.
The organisation also commended Crossland for her swift response, which exemplified the spirit of camaraderie and safety awareness promoted in the local hiking community. As she gears up for the upcoming Cableway Charity Challenge, supporters are encouraged to back her efforts, as proceeds will benefit local charity initiatives.
WSAR has wished the Belgian tourist a speedy recovery, emphasising the swift actions of Crossland and all responding teams that contributed to the rescue.
They remind all adventurers that in the case of an emergency in the mountains, immediate help can be summoned by calling 021 937 0300.
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Wilderness Search and Rescue airlifts German hiker from Platteklip
Picture: WSAR / Blake Dyason
Source: WSAR
