Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams this morning assisted a 46-year-old German hiker who became exhausted on the Platteklip Gorge route, after a passing group raised the alarm, reports Cape {town} Etc.
A rescue crew from the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS and the Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter reached the scene and a WSAR team was hoisted in to assess the patient before he was flown to a nearby landing zone for further care (Facebook).
WSAR spokesperson David Nel reminded hikers to respect the summer heat and plan outings carefully.
‘People need to start early, carry more water than they think they will need, and avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day,’ he said (Cape Argus).
The patient received treatment for heat-related injuries and was handed over to provincial EMS for onward transport. Emergency services thanked the group who reported the incident and encouraged all walkers to save the wilderness emergency number 021 937 0300 on their phones.
Local rescuers said teamwork and fast air support made the difference for the visiting hiker. The incident is a reminder that even popular trails can become hazardous during peak summer heat.
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Picture: Travis Talmarkes, WSAR / Facebook
