A local hiker is recovering after a dramatic rescue in the Helderberg Nature Reserve on Tuesday evening after falling an estimated 15 to 20 metres from a trail.
According to the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), the incident began following reports of screams echoing from the mountain.
Following a search, assisted by the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit, rescuers located the unconscious hiker near the trail. WSAR spokesperson, David Nel, says the patient’s condition required an immediate response.
Additional rescuers were reportedly deployed as teams worked to prevent further heat loss by using heating blankets and a sleeping bag to warm the patient while a doctor assessed and treated him at the scene.
“The seamless coordination between rescuers, medical personnel and support teams ensured that critical care could begin in the wilderness before the patient was carefully secured in a stretcher and carried down the mountain,” added Nel
The incident reportedly concluded at 00:55 on Wednesday morning.
Nel further urged hikers not to underestimate changing conditions, to avoid hiking alone, inform someone of their plans and seek assistance early if they are delayed or unsure how to proceed.
“Accidents happen on even the most familiar trails,” concluded Nel
READ MORE: Stranded Chinese hiker rescued from Table Mountain
