Having received the rescue stretcher from the helicopter, rescuers return to help a collapsed hiker into the stretcher before the aircraft returns to safety hoist the her from the mountain. Picture: Jason Collins
Cape Town - Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) has pleaded with hikers to take extra care in the heat after they were kept busy this past weekend, responding to six incidents.
The WSAR report, released on Tuesday, detailed the six incidents in which - a fallen hiker having to be carried down Kasteelspoort, an injured Swiss hiker was flown from a multi-day trail in the Kouebokkeveld, a collapsed hiker was flown from Elephant’s Eye hiking trail, young hiker with burn injuries was flown from remote Hex River Mountain cabin, a collapsed hiker was flown from Lion's Head and lost hikers having to be guided from Table Mountain.
On Sunday afternoon WSAR rescuers responded to a hiker, believed to be in her late fifties, collapsing in extremely hot conditions along Lion’s Head.
A small rescue team on board the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter were flown to the scene and hoisted down to a point close to the hiker.
She was treated for heat-related injuries before being placed into a stretcher and hoisted up to the helicopter.
The hiker was flown to a nearby landing zone, before being transferred to a waiting ambulance and driven to hospital.
The incident was concluded at 5.30pm.
In the last incident on Sunday afternoon five local hikers called the emergency number after losing their way near Maclear’s Beacon on Table Mountain.
Rescuers were able to telephonically guide them back to the correct trail.
The group was monitored remotely until they were safely transported down the mountain via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel said this past weekend’s hot weather conditions contributed to at least three of the six incidents their teams responded to.
“Compounding this the South African Weather Service has predicted higher than average temperatures for summer.
“We urge all outdoor enthusiasts to follow the safety tips for hot-weather wilderness activities.
“Start early. Avoid any outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day (12-3pm). On warmer days, choose shaded hikes near water if possible.
“Dress appropriately; wearing light colour, loose fitting, breathable, UPF-rated clothing. Apply sunblock regularly and remember to wear a hat. Carry at least 500ml of water for every hour you intend to be outdoors.
“Hot conditions can be very dangerous for dogs, make sure to carry extra water for them. Remember that surface temperatures are often hotter than air temperatures, test the surfaces you’re walking on,” Nel said.
“We wish all our patients a speedy recovery.”
Nel urged hikers to save the emergency contact number – 021 937 0300 and to remember to call them sooner.
Those wanting to support WSAR can do so by donating for life-saving equipment at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/sos-for-life-saving-equipment or visiting https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
Cape Argus
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