The Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Western Cape team came to the rescue when a hike turned scary for a 10-year-old who fell into barbed wire.
Cape Town, South Africa (01 November 2023) – A brave young man ran for help when his 10-year-old brother fell while descending the Platteklip Gorge on Table Mountain. The family of 5 were enjoying a hike when the scary accident took place. The Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) responded to the call for help and shared some vital information for the upcoming summer season.
According to WSAR, the 10-year-old along with his family, were making their way back down the gorge after spending time having a picnic at the top. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon with good weather conditions.
“The family had started to make their way back down the mountain after lunch and had descended roughly a third of the popular hiking trail, when their 10-year-old son slipped and fell into a barbed wire fence.
He injured his leg and was unable to continue.His 14-year-old brother ran back up Platteklip Gorge to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to call for help, and call was immediately made to the emergency number 021 937 0300.
As soon as the incident had been reported, he returned to help his injured younger brother.”
A doctor visiting South Africa from Spain happened to be passing by shortly after the accident and was able to bandage the young man’s leg that had sustained injuries, thanks to a group of passing hikers that had a first aid kit on them.
When the rescue team arrived, they made a Split-Coil Seat using rope and a harness, to help carry the young man back down the mountain.
“The technique involves coiling a rope through a patient’s legs and passing the loops over the rescuer’s shoulders similar to a backpack.
The rescue team took turns carrying the young man down the mountain.
He was carried down to the family’s car and driven to hospital for further treatment.”
The rescue team managed to get the family and the injured young man back to the safety of the parking lot by 19:00. With so many helping hands, the young man was able to make a speedy recovery.
“We would like to extend a huge thank you to the visiting doctor who stopped to help the young man. He stayed with the family and looked after him the whole time.
“We’d also like to thank the passing hikers who generously provided bandages.
“Incidents like this demonstrates both the kindness of the outdoor community, and how important it is to always carry a first aid kit.
“We wish our incredibly brave patient a speedy recovery,” – David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR)
The good weather is on its way which means people are actively seeking adventure and outdoor activities. This means lots of hiking, picnics, sightseeing and adventure. Any of these things can lead to an emergency, so it is important to know what to do if you find yourself, someone you love or a total stranger in need.
Did you know: There is no charge for rescue services in South Africa? So if you find yourself in danger in the Wilderness, you won’t be charged to be rescued. You just have to call 021 937 0300 (save that number to your phone) and help will be sent. The number will take you directly to the Metro Control Centre which will then coordinate a rescue or assistance depending on what is needed.
- The first thing you need to do if in an emergency, is check if you have a signal. If there is no signal, someone from your group needs to try to find someone to get in touch with the Metro Control.
- Collect all the relevant information so that the Metro Control can send the correct type of aid. This means providing details about what type of incident has taken place and where.
– Detail how many people there are and which of them have injuries (e.g. “one male, head/neck injury” – short and to the point.)
– Give your location, the name of the place you were heading, and if you have GPS coordinates. - Once you have all the correct details, call the Metro Control. The operator will do their best to assist you, just remain calm and give the information you have.
The Wilderness Search and Rescue is supported by many volunteer groups. These include Delta Search and Rescue, Hamnet, Hikers Network, K9 Search and Rescue, Mountain Club of South Africa – Search and Rescue, National Sea Rescue Institute, Off-Road Rescue Unit, Overberg Fire Rescue, SARZA and Trail Search and Rescue. They also work closely with local government and its agencies, such as the police force, CapeNature, SANParks, The South African Airforce and Metro Emergency Medical Services.
You can find out more about WSAR via the website here. You can support by becoming a qualified volunteer or contributing to the costs of running the rescue service here.
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