Dedicated teams of professionals and volunteers from Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), including trail-runners from Trail Search & Rescue, responded to Lion’s Head after a visiting German hiker fell from the trail this week.
Located the injured hiker
Bystanders called the emergency number – 021 937 0300 – after the visiting hiker fell from a section of the trail between the first ladder and the staples, onto a vegetated ledge 10m below.
A team of two specialist trail-runners were immediately dispatched to run up the popular route and locate the injured hiker.
When they arrived at the scene the pair communicated information about her condition and carefully prevented her from tumbling any further from the steep ledge.
Two teams including Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics and rescue climbers were flown to Lion’s Head onboard the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter and hoisted down to a point near the injured hiker.
Flown to hospital
She was assessed and treated by paramedics before being placed into a rescue stretcher.
Rescue climbers used a rope safety system to ensure that the stretchered patient and rescue team were safe while working on the small ledge.
The hiker was hoisted from the side of the mountain and flown to hospital.
We wish the injured hiker a full recovery.