Injured hiker rescued in Karkloof, KZN in gruelling 5-hour operation
The emergency services personnel along with police Search and Rescue had to hike up a hill to get to the injured hiker.
Image: Mi7 National Group / Facebook
Emergency services paramedics rescued an injured hiker in Karkloof nature reserve, near Howick on Saturday in a gruelling five-hour long operation.
According to Mi7 National Group, its Emergency Medical Services teams, along with the police's Search and Rescue, launched an operation to rescue a man who had injured his leg while hiking in Karkloof around midday on Saturday.
Mi7 National Group said it is believed the man went hiking with his son when he slipped and fell, injuring his leg extensively.
An injured hiker was rescued in Karkloof in a gruelling operation on Saturday.
Image: Mi7 National Group / Facebook
“With limited cellular reception, the son tried to drag his father to safety, but the pain became unbearable. Due to the terrain, Mi7 dispatched its specialised rescue vehicle, as well as an ambulance.
“They got as close to the patient as the trail could bear. Mi7 and SAPS Search and Rescue teams then hiked more than two kilometres, up a steep, narrow, and muddy path, carrying all their equipment. They finally reached the patient, who was treated with Advanced Life Support interventions.
“A medical helicopter was placed on standby, but due to the terrain, no landing zone was available. The patient was then carried down the same hillside, back to the ambulance. The entire operation took more than five hours. The patient is now recovering well,” Mi7 said in a statement.