Traffic on the hiking trails has increased significantly now that the beach and other parks are out of bounds. More accidents are bound to happen so be extra cautious on the mountains. On Sunday afternoon [January 17] Cape Medical Response (CMR) was dispatched after a hiker fell on the mountain near the waterfall at Silver Mine Nature Reserve’s Gate 2.
“On arrival, SANParks, Metro Rescue, City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue had gone down to the patient. Due to the narrowness of the path, CMR medics and ambulance waited at the gate while the other services were able to transport the patient to us,” the organisation said.
“The patient was hiked out from the bottom of the waterfall to the double track road. A SANParks bakkie was waiting and brought the patient to us at the gate. CMR medics transported the patient in a stable condition to a local Cape Town hospital.”
It is always a good idea to hike with a buddy or with a hiking club, as this ensures there is someone who is able to contact emergency services in case of accidents.
WSAR has provided a list of safety tips for hikers:
1. Be careful and concentrate when negotiating the paths which are mostly uneven
2. While taking photographs, eating or drinking hikers are advised to pause and remain stationary while doing so.
3. Keep away from the edge of the path or view site, a simple distraction may startle hikers and result in them loosing balance or footing.
4. Dry conditions cause the gravel sections to become unstable underfoot.
Emergency contacts to keep at hand for hiker safety:
- Emergency SAPS: 10111
- Wilderness Search and Rescue: 021 937 0300
- Emergency Services , Cape Town: 021 480 7700
- Table Mountain National Park Security: 0861 106 417
- General emergency services number: 10177
Picture: Supplied/CMR Facebook