Wilderness Rescue

Cederberg Mountains section east of Citrusdal

On the 26th of November 2018 at 21h09 the Cederberg Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) unit was activated by the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services (EMS) after a call for assistance was received.

The caller confirmed that a teenager who was a member of a hiking party was suffering medical complications as a result of anaphylactic shock. This type of shock is brought on as a result of an allergic reaction which could emanate from various sources that the patient may have come into contact with. Different people are affected differently, and in extreme cases, if left untreated, the medical condition of the patient could deteriorate to such a point where the patient could succumb as a result of cardiac arrest.

The group who were doing a multi day hike in this wilderness area which is managed by Cape Nature, had to abruptly change their plans as a result of the casualty, while hiking in a northerly direction from the Sandrfit campsite towards the Welberdaght area.

Our members responded from Citrusdal via two mountain passes on gravel road to reach the area in order to lend assistance. After a short walk our Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Rescue Technician and Rescue Mountaineers reached the casualty party, who had decided to slowly make their way down the mountain in the dark. On arrival the patient was treated and stabilised.

The patient was then handed over to an awaiting ambulance where further medical assistance was administered. From there the patient was transported via the rural road to a medical facility.

WSAR wishes the patient a speedy recovery, and we would also like to thank those who had delivered the initial first aid, as well as the services who had responded to the call.

The family run Sandrift resort site becomes a vital Staging Area not only for Rescue Incident Command, but also for Wildfire Incident Command as well. The availability of a variety of resources such as water and food; vehicular access; electricity; land line and WiFi reception; helicopter Landing Zone and more, makes this site an integral part of forward planning in the event of a callout in this section of the Cederberg Wilderness area.

WSAR urges the public to please:-

keep away from insects or reptiles
keep away from thorny vegetation
be mindful of the effects of coming into direct contact with the Blister Bush
not eat any wild berries, fruit or mushrooms
consult a chemist for advice regarding a personalised first aid kit that would take your specific requirements into account