A female hiker (44) from Cape Town was rescued from a hiking trail near Plettenberg Bay earlier this week after she suffered from heat-stroke.

The NSRI Plettenberg Bay crew responded to assist the woman at the Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trail on Monday.

“Efforts to reach the The Point, Robberg hiking trail, from the sea side, were not possible due to heavy sea swells during the full moon spring tide high tide – although two NSRI rescue craft were prepared to launch if required,” said Ross Badenhorst, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty coxswain.

NSRI crew, carrying medical equipment, jogged to the patient with family, who suffered heat-stroke complicated by a medical condition.

According to Badenhorst, the family were located at the part of the hiking trail called The Wild Side, about four hours hike from the car park, when they had raised the alarm requesting medical care.

“NSRI medics initiated medical treatment and were joined by Cape Nature rangers. The EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter deployed a rescue technician onto the scene who elevated medical care to the patient. She was secured into a specialised stretcher and airlifted to a landing zone at a local farmer’s property.”

The woman was transferred into an EMS ambulance and in the care of paramedics she was transported to hospital in a stable condition.

The NSRI, the emergency services and Cape Nature appealed to day walkers and hikers, who may be planning to hike the Plettenberg Bay Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trail, to be fully prepared for a grueling hike that too often catches hikers and day walkers off guard.

According to Badenhorst, there has been a significant increase in emergency response incidents along this hiking trail that has raised concerns.

“Day walkers, perhaps thinking that the Robberg hiking trail is an easy hike and may be a gentle walk, are often surprised at just how grueling this hiking trail can be,” he said.

Carry sufficient water, hydration, food and supplements. Wear proper sealed running, hiking, walking or training shoes. Wear a hat, preferably long sleeved clothing, and fully charged cell phone communication. Wear sunscreen.

“Even the shorter walk, that cuts through the sand dunes and almost halves the hiking distance, is still, without a doubt, a grueling day hike,” said Badenhorst.