Tourist is rescued on Lion's Head.

Lion’s Head Cape Town

On Wednesday the 12th of December 2018 at 11h06 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 48 year old female visitor from the USA had collapsed at the summit of Lion’s Head while out on a hiking adventure. The Air Mercy Service (AMS) Emergency Medical Rescue Helicopter which is contracted to the Western Cape Department of Health and based at the Cape Town International airport (CTI) was authorised to respond. Our ground teams consisting of 4×4 logistical operators, Landing Zone (LZ) crew, SANParks Visitor Safety Patrollers and SAPS were also dispatched to secure a temporary LZ by closing the Signal Hill road. This is not an ideal arrangement since the traffic flow gets disrupted causing gridlocks along the access road of this busy tourist attraction. Rescue Mountaineers were also placed on standby as a precaution.

When the helicopter reached the scene, an Advanced Life Support Medical Rescue Technician as well as a Rescue Climber were hoisted down to the patient. On arrival it was found that members of her party had been slowly making their way down from the top of Lion’s Head. Our medic gave her an examination, and it was learnt that she was suffering from the effects of vertigo, which included nausea, dizzy spells, high blood pressure and finding it difficult to proceed on foot.

Once our crew had secured the scene, the necessary care was given, after which the helicopter that was waiting at the LZ was called back to extricate the patient and the rescuers. She was safely delivered to an awaiting crew at the LZ, after which she confirmed that her condition had improved. After deciding that she required no further treatment, our medics advised her to please report to a medical facility should her situation deteriorate.

We wish the patient a speedy recovery and would like to thank all our responders for their assistance. We also would like to thank members of the public for their patience during the rescue operation.

WSAR urges the public to please:-

consider routes that suite your fitness levels and capabilities
carry any chronic medication that you may have been prescribed, with you in your first aid kit
remember that we have entered the festive season which means that our resources are stretched