A team of volunteers and professionals from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and a small rescue team onboard the WCG Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter sprang into action after a tandem paraglider crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday morning, reports Cape {town} Etc.
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The 36-year-old pilot and his passenger took off from atop Signal Hill before the pair crashed. The pilot sustained injuries to his leg while the passenger was uninjured, and bystanders helped her back up to the take-off point.
According to WSAR spokesperson David Nel, the small rescue team aboard the rescue helicopter was flown to the scene and hoisted down to a point near the injured pilot.
‘The injured pilot was assessed and treated by a paramedic before being placed into a rescue stretch,’ said Nel in a Facebook post. ‘He was hoisted up to the helicopter and flown to a nearby landing zone on Signal Hill Road before being carried to a waiting ambulance and driven to hospital.’
Nel added that during the rescue mission, a cyclist ignored instruction from the rescue team to stop while the helicopter was in the process of landing on Signal Hill Road. He urged mountain users to comply with lawful instructions.
‘Our teams do their best to limit any inconvenience to the public during wilderness emergencies, however our priority remains the safety and well-being of the patient, our team and any members of the public,’ said Nel.
‘We urge everyone, including pedestrians, hikers and cyclists, to obey the lawful instructions of officials during any emergencies.’
The rescue mission was concluded at 1:30pm.
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Picture: Tim Lundy / Wilderness Search and Rescue WSAR Western Cape / Facebook
