Helderberg Nature Reserve Somerset West

On Thursday the 14th of February 2019 at 15h04 the Winelands 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 60 year old female was unresponsive after she had collapsed while hiking in the Helderberg Nature Reserve near Somerset West. An EMS Metro Rescue vehicle and two Advanced Life Support Medical Rescue Technicians responded on foot to the location of the patient after driving to a point within a couple of hundred of meters away. They hastily trekked their medical equipment and a stretcher to the scene in order to treat and evacuate the casualty.

Meanwhile, secondary teams consisting of Logistical operators and Rescue Mountaineers were also asked to respond to service the call. On arrival, the patient was assessed by the Metro Rescuers and the necessary treatment was administered by them. An ambulance that was dispatched to the nature reserve drove to the point where the EMS Rescue vehicle was stationed, and their crew assisted with the stretcher carry out of the patient, who was then loaded into the ambulance which transported her to a medical facility for further treatment.

We wish the lady a speedy recovery.

Helderberg Nature Reserve Somerset West

On Thursday the 14th of February 2019 at 15h04 the Wilderness WSAR was notified of a second potential call out while the first one was still in progress.

It was reported that an 80 year old adult male may be lost in the Helderberg Nature Reserve while out hiking. The additional resources who were responding to the first call, were asked to initiate a search on arrival at the nature reserve. About twenty minutes later, reliable information was received that the gentleman had managed to find his way to the entrance of the nature reserve on his own. Here he was met by his relieved wife, and after a quick assessment by the medical crew, all the responding services were stood down.

WSAR urges the public to please:-

  • take extra care while doing strenuous activities during the hot summer period
  • rather hike in groups
  • carry at least two liters of water per person
  • always have an approved map of the area in which you are intending to hike
  • have a functioning cellphone at hand

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