SAPS Search and Rescue with the help of paramedics were successful in a high angle rescue conducted in the Smero area, in Edendale Pietermaritzburg, in the early hours of this morning.
It is understood that a man had been lying under a bridge near a small river for some time screaming for help.
A local security guard found the man and called the SAPS.
SAPS Search and Rescue arrived on scene and contacted paramedics.
Upon arrival at the scene, ER24 paramedics found that the man had sustained moderate injuries. He had fallen about five metres onto a river bed with steep embankments on either side making it difficult to carry him out.
A rescue winch and stokes basket had to be used to remove the man from the area.
He was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.
Chitra Bodasing
ER24 spokesperson