Lion’s Head Cape Town

On the 27th of December 2018 at 16h07 the Peninsula Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) was activated by the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services (EMS) after a call for assistance was received.

It was reported that a female visitor had badly injured her knee after taking a fall just below the summit of Lion’s Head while hiking along this popular route. The Metro Rescue Mobile Incident Command Vehicle responded to the start of the hiking trail, together with volunteer Rescue Mountaineers and Logistical operators.

A Rapid Response team consisting of two Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Rescue Technicians and one Rescue Mountaineer were driven by a SANParks Visitor Safety Patrol 4×4 vehicle up to the point where the jeep track terminates and the footpath begins. In the meantime volunteer Rescue Mountaineers prepared equipment for a stretcher carry out of the 33 year old visitor from Singapore.

On arrival, the patient was assessed and treated by the Medics who deemed it necessary to request the assistance of the Air Mercy Service (AMS) Emergency Medical Rescue Helicopter which is contracted to the Western Cape Department of Health.

Our Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Rescue Technicians treating the patient prior to the helivac.

The Signal Hill road was temporarily closed off to traffic so that a Landing Zone (LZ) for the helicopter could be secured.  Once the helicopter had arrived on scene, a medic and the patient were airlifted inside and safely delivered to an awaiting ambulance at the LZ. From here she was transported to a medical facility for further treatment to her  knee.

We wish the lady a speedy recovery. We also would like to thank the members and services who had responded to lend assistance, as well as the members of the public for their patience.

WSAR urges the public to please:-

  • be careful when negotiating the ladders, chains and staples that are placed on sections of the mountain for your safety
  • always face the rock surfaces when using these metal aids, and never descend a ladder backwards
  • be courteous to other visitors while waiting your turn to use the equipment

Please call 021 937 0300 or 112 for any wilderness or mountain rescue response.