A 70-year-old British hiker was rescued after a serious fall while hiking the popular Platteklip Gorge trail in Table Mountain on Tuesday afternoon. Cape {city} etc reports.
The incident occurred as the man and his wife were approaching the summit when he lost his balance and fell backwards down the trail’s steep stone steps.
A passing Good Samaritan, witnessing the injured man’s inability to continue working, quickly called the emergency number (021 937 0300). In response, a dedicated team from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), along with other specialists and volunteers, mobilized to help.
Table Mountain Cable Car staff, along with SANParks – Table Mountain National Park rangers, rushed to the scene to provide initial assistance. A specialist rescue team, including a paramedic from the Western Cape Government’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS), was dispatched to the scene via the Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter. The team was brought down near the injured hiker, who was given immediate medical attention, then put on life belts and moved to safety.
After being transported to a nearby airstrip, the tourist was transported by ER24 EMS ambulance to a hospital for further treatment. Meanwhile, his wife was escorted onto the rest of the trail by a Table Mountain Aerial Cableway employee and taken down the mountain by cable car.
The quick response of rescue teams, guards and bystanders was crucial to ensuring that the tourists were provided with the necessary care immediately.
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Photo: WSAR/Facebook