mountains
5 April 2007
The Department of Health's EMRS has yet again saved a life of a hiker who
was stranded in the Drakensberg Mountains on 4 April 2007 at around 16h20.
Our Operation centre received a call from a Mrs Shaw whose son was amongst
the stranded hikers at the black and tan wall of the Drakensberg Mountains.
EMRS paramedics were immediately dispatched to handle the situation but due to
the bad terrain the Mountain Rescue Services (15th Squadron) were requested to
assist. The rescue could only be undertaken the next morning due to bad light
in the afternoon and overnight. A patient (21-year-old male from Cape Town) who
had had fallen 10 metres, and sustained a suspected fractured foot and a
severely bruised lower back, was rescued. The patient was admitted at Laverna
Hospital in Bergville.
During the holiday seasons, the Department of Health amplifies its emergency
medical response to meet the increased demand. Communities and individuals are
encouraged to report medical emergencies through a Toll -Free Control Centre
number, 10177 or 0800 005 133, and the necessary Medical Response will be
initiated and dispatched to assist anywhere in the province.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 459 8695
Dr Thembisa Sitsila
Cell: 083 381 3892
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
5 April 2007
