Things did not go according to plan for four friends who hiked the famous Hoopoe Falls trail in Oribi Gorge yesterday.
According to Glen Preston (Med-Evac) they were preparing to return from near the waterfall area when one missed his step and dislocated his knee.
“One of the four walked back to get signal and contacted us (Med-Evac) and then returned to assist the others,” he said.
“We requested assistance to access and carry the patient out.”
Ezemvelo, Ugu and RNM Fire and Rescue responded, while NSRI Station 20 and 32 supplied crew to assist.
Preston explained that it was a round trip carry-out of 12.29km and took seven and a half hours.
“The man was transported to Shelly Hospital for further treatment.”
Arrive Alive, on its website, described the trail as moderately challenging route under normal conditions and presents added difficulty when carrying the specialised equipment required to safely access, stabilise, and extract a patient from the area.
The teams are trained and equipped for operations in rugged terrain and worked carefully to ensure the safety of both the patient and rescue personnel.
ALSO READ: Black mamba removed from Hibberdene farm
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
