Hiker falls on Lion's Head

Lion’s Head Cape Town

On Thursday the 13th of December 2018 at 20h08 the Peninsula Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) was activated by the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services (EMS) after a call for assistance was received.

Our rescuers and the EMS Mobile Incident Command vehicle (Metro Rescue 1) were immediately dispatched to the base of Lion’s Head. Preparations for a stretcher carry out were being made as the caller had reported that the female patient could have suffered a head injury as a result of a fall that she had taken.

Communication was complicated by the fact that more detail and information could not be gathered, as the caller could not be reached for follow-up interviews.

Shortly after the first responders arrived at the base of Lion’s Head, some members of the public showed up at the staging area with the patient in their company, after assisting her down to the start of the trail. It appears that the incident had occurred much lower down the mountain slope, than what was originally reported.

Our Advanced Life Support Medical Rescue Technicians attended to her, after which she had refused any further treatment. She was advised to report to a medical facility in the event of her experiencing any subsequent complications.

The patient left via private transport and we wish her a speedy recovery.

WSAR urges the public to please:-

be careful when negotiating the ladders, staples and chains that are found in sections of the mountain
remain stationary once a call for assistance has been made, and obey the instructions of the Incident Commander
carry at least one first aid kit in your party
ask other members of the public or other hikers for assistance, especially if you are unable to make or maintain contact with the emergency services
learn how to forward a “my location drop pin” from your cellphone