Gauteng visitor is medivaced off Lion's Head

Lion’s Head Cape Town

On Friday the 21st of December 2018 at 13h51 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 21 year old female hiker from Gauteng had severely injured an ankle while walking on Lion’s Head, after which she found it very difficult to proceed any further. The EMS Metro Rescue Mobile Incident Command vehicle, Rescue Mountaineers, Logistical LZ operators, as well as the Air Mercy Service (AMS) Medical Rescue Helicopter, which is contracted to the Western Cape Department of Health, were dispatched to the Kramat area of Lion’s Head. The South African Police Services (SAPS) as well as SANParks Visitor Safety Patrollers also responded to secure a temporary Landing Zone (LZ) along the Signal Hill road.

Once our members had reported to the Incident Command post, it was confirmed that this patient was at a position higher up slope, which was well off any of the dedicated paths along this section. The party had mistakenly descended a “water course” which they assumed was a short cut down the lower slopes of the mountain. For that reason, the Metro Rescue Incident Commander deemed a carry out of the patient too risky. The helicopter was then prepared for an airlift of the patient.

This method ensured a quick and smooth operation, and after our crew had secured the female into the harness, she was hoisted into the helicopter and then safely delivered to the LZ. Here she was transferred into an awaiting ambulance which transported her to a medical facility for further attention.

WSAR would like to wish the visitor a speedy recovery, and also to thank all the services who had responded to this call.

WSAR urges the public to please:-