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Hikers Beware: Hotter conditions expected this summer

Media

• “Expect hotter conditions this summer, please take extra care,” urges WSAR
• Incident 1 – Fallen hiker carried down Kasteelspoort
• Incident 2 – Injured Swiss hiker flown from multi-day trail in the Kouebokkeveld
• Incident 3 – Collapsed hiker flown from Elephant’s Eye hiking trail
• Incident 4 – Young hiker with burn injuries flown from remote Hex River Mountain cabin
• Incident 5 – Collapsed hiker flown from Lion’s Head
• Incident 6 – Lost hikers guided from Table Mountain
• Show your support – https://www.backabuddy.co.za/sos-for-life-saving-equipment
• Outdoor lovers are urged to memorise this crucial Emergency Number: 021 937 0300
• Please share the #IAmWildernessSafe campaign – to increase safety awareness

Dedicated teams of professionals and volunteers from Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) responded to six incidents this past weekend.

According to David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR): “This past weekend’s heat wave conditions contributed to at least three of the six incidents our 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.
“Save the emergency contact number – 021 937 0300 and remember to call us sooner.
“We wish all our patients a speedy recovery”, Nel said.

Incident 1
Rescue teams responded to Theresa Avenue above Camps Bay after a hiking group reported that one of their members had fallen and injured her ankle while descending the Kasteelspoort hiking trail on Friday afternoon.
The group were being monitored by SafetyMountain Tracking, a WhatsApp-based service that tracks hikers and other mountain users on their adventures – giving them instant access to assistance in case of an emergency. One of the Safety Mountain Tracking team assisted the group immediately, ensuring a call was made to the correct emergency number – 021 937 0300.
Rescuers, including a paramedic from the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness, swiftly hiked up to the 38-year-old hiker. She was assessed and treated by the paramedic before being helped into a rescue stretcher and carried down the mountain.
The incident was concluded at 16h50.

Incident 2
A small rescue team on board the Western Cape Government Health and WellnessEMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter were flown to the Kouebokkeveld on Friday afternoon after a visiting Swiss hiker fell and injured himself on day two of a multi-day hike.
The hiker was climbing down a steep section of the trail when a large piece of rock was dislodged, colliding with his leg and causing him to fall.
Injured and unable to continue an urgent call was made to the emergency contact number – 021 937 0300.
His group slowly carried him to an area where the helicopter could land. He was treated by a paramedic and flown to a nearby hospital.
The incident was concluded at 16h10.

Incident 3
Rescuer teams responded to Silvermine Nature Reserve after a group of hikers reported that one of their party had injured herself while descending from the Elephant’s Eye Cave, and was unable to continue.
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 patient.
She was placed into a stretcher and flown to a nearby landing zone, before being carried from the helicopter to a waiting ambulance and driven to hospital.
The incident was concluded at 12h40.

Incident 4
Shortly after first light on Sunday morning, a small rescue team on board the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter were flown to a mountain hut situated in the Hex River Mountains north of Worcester, after a young hiker suffered burn injuries the night before.
The young hiker was flown to a nearby landing zone, transferred to a waiting ambulance and driven to hospital.
The incident was concluded at 10h40.

Incident 5
Rescuers responded to Lion’s Head on Sunday afternoon after a hiker, believed to be in her late fifties, collapsed in extremely hot conditions.
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 place 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 17h30.

Incident 6
Five local hikers called the emergency number – 021 937 0300, after losing their way near Maclear’s Beacon, Table Mountain, on Sunday afternoon.
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 in the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway cable car.
The incident was concluded shortly after 19h40.

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