EMS encourages residents to help prevent hiking and burn injuries this winter

This weekend, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to three separate hiking incidents in which older people slipped and injured themselves, with a 75-year-old man tragically losing his life. With winter on our doorstep, EMS reminds residents to exercise caution while they are hiking and to be alert when they find themselves in situations at home where burns may occur. Preventing such injuries is particularly vital when it comes to vulnerable groups like children or older people.

On Saturday at 08:23, the EMS rescue team evacuated a man (66) on Table Mountain after he fell and injured his ankle. He was airlifted by SkyMed and transported to a nearby hospital.

Later that afternoon, the EMS rescue team assisted an unconscious man (75) on a hiking trail in Newlands after he fell and sustained injuries to his head. He was found by other hikers who swiftly called an ambulance but there was unfortunately nothing that the first responders could do to save his life.

On Sunday at 10:24, the EMS rescue team evacuated a woman (65) on a hiking trail in Worcester after she fell and injured her ankle. She was airlifted by SkyMed and transported to a nearby hospital.

On Saturday morning, the EMS rescue team also assisted a man in Tafelsig, who sustained burn injuries, as well as another man at the Waterfront, who injured himself after his vessel capsized. Both patients were transported to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Over the weekend, EMS responded to 5 360 incidents, with the majority of these related to trauma and medical emergencies. Of these incidents, 33% were of a life-threatening nature and most patients were transported to the Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Worcester Hospitals. Most incidents involved chest pains (926), respiratory complaints (716), weapon assaults (510), obstetric complains (352) and neurological complaints (293).

With an escort from the South African Police Service (SAPS), our EMS crews also attended to various incidents in the permanent Red Zone neighbourhoods, such as Beacon Valley (60), Tafelsig (54), Hanover Park (22) and Chicago (5). The EMS remains deeply appreciative of the SAPS’ and other law enforcement agencies' ongoing support, as this helps protect our crews and enables them to care for the most vulnerable patients.

We thank our emergency medical responders who continue to work tirelessly with the other key parts of the public health system to assist our residents when they are in distress. Dial 10177 or 112 from cellphones in case of an emergency.