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First aid & emergencies

Immediate action steps for common Cape Town mountain emergencies. These are wilderness protocols designed to keep the patient stable until WSAR arrives.

Heat exhaustion & stroke

Common on exposed routes like Platteklip Gorge in summer.

  • 1.Move the person to shade immediately.
  • 2.Lay them down and elevate their legs.
  • 3.Give small, frequent sips of water (do not let them gulp).
  • 4.Cool them down by wetting their skin and fanning them.
  • 5.If they stop sweating, become confused, or vomit, call WSAR. This is heat stroke and is life-threatening.

Snakebite (Puff Adder vs Boomslang)

Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Take a photo only if safe.

  • 1.Keep the patient perfectly still and calm. Movement spreads venom.
  • 2.Call WSAR immediately. State the type of snake if known.
  • 3.Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing around the bite.
  • 4.Puff Adder (cytotoxic): Do not apply a tourniquet. Do not bandage tightly. Keep the limb below heart level.
  • 5.Boomslang or Cape Cobra (haemotoxic/neurotoxic): Apply a broad pressure bandage tightly over the bite and up the limb. Splint the limb.

Hypothermia

Can occur even in summer when wind and wet conditions combine (the "Tablecloth").

  • 1.Find shelter from the wind and rain.
  • 2.Remove wet clothing immediately and replace with dry layers.
  • 3.Insulate the person from the cold ground (use backpacks or space blankets).
  • 4.Share body heat if necessary.
  • 5.Give warm, sweet liquids if they are fully conscious. Do not give alcohol.

Twisted ankle or fracture

The most common mountain injury. Do not force them to walk if it causes severe pain.

  • 1.Stop and rest. Do not remove the boot if swelling has started, as you may not get it back on.
  • 2.Apply a bandage firmly but not so tight that it restricts blood flow.
  • 3.Elevate the leg.
  • 4.If they cannot walk safely, do not attempt to carry them down steep terrain. Call WSAR.

Rockfall injury

Common in ravines or when hiking below other groups.

  • 1.Move out of the rockfall zone immediately if safe to do so.
  • 2.Apply direct, firm pressure to any bleeding wounds using a clean pad or clothing.
  • 3.Do not remove objects embedded in the wound.
  • 4.If there is a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury, do not move the patient unless they are in immediate lethal danger. Call WSAR.

Lost on the mountain

Visibility can drop to zero in minutes when the cloud comes in.

  • 1.Stop moving immediately. Do not try to "find" the path in thick mist.
  • 2.Check your phone signal and battery.
  • 3.If you have signal, call WSAR and send your location pin.
  • 4.Put on warm clothing before you get cold.
  • 5.Wait. Do not attempt to descend blindly; cliffs drop off suddenly in Cape Town.

If the situation is life-threatening or the patient cannot walk, do not delay.

Call WSAR