After successfully hiking the Amphitheater trail, our guest unfortunately suffered a severe ankle sprain, her husband and fellow hikers provided heartfelt support whilst the Expedition Leader and a professional physiotherapist who was fortunately part of our group assessed the extent of the injury.
After spending the night, the team alerted Mountain Rescue Services for an airlift rescue which was successfully performed.
We are pleased that the hiker’s spirit has not subsided from our esteemed guest and we pray for her speedy recovery.
This safety incident marks as the first since 2018, we are pleased to have a positive relationship with the Mountain Rescue Services and we appreciate their cooperation.
Things that made the rescue a success:
Maintained a sense of calm across the board
While urgency is an absolute necessity during an emergency, frivolous haste and panic can do more damage than good. Affected parties maintained a necessary sense of calm that made everyone useful and helpful, this is perhaps an opportunity to comment specifically on the bravery of the affected couple despite having to endure excruciating pain.
Good assessment of injury
An assessment of one’s injury is no easy feat, this marks a big distinction between a first aider in local community and one that is trained for mountain related emergencies. Factors such as possible exit routes, weather conditions, network coverage points and the level of communication with the mountain rescue service are considered by the First aider at a mountain range.The presence of our best Lungelo Dlamini gave the team confidence to respond effectively and the fortunate presence of a professional physiotherapist who solicited her expertise gave the scenario a positive boost.
Corporation with Mountain Rescue Services
The Mountain Rescue Services is made up of professionals with vast mountain expertise, but when communications with the first responder is vague, the expertise go in vain and a lot of things could go wrong.
Providence
Many other natural factors were at the favour of the team, considering drama that the Drakensberg naturally gives off with remote rugged access points, extreme weather conditions and high altitude, it is worth noting that the day of rescue had relatively pleasant weather conditions.
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