As temperatures exceeded 40°C across the Cape Town today, the Global Medical Safety and Risk Solutions (GMSRS) site-based medical teams were on standby to respond to emergencies at their sites.
Shortly before midday, the GMSRS Site-Based Medic stationed at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) project site was alerted to a hiker experiencing a severe heat-related emergency while climbing Platteklip Gorge on Table Mountain, Cape Town. Although the incident occurred outside of our formal site responsibility area, our medic was the closest advanced medical resource at the time and immediately responded on authorisation from our client Table Mountain Arial Cableway Company.
Within minutes, the medic reached the patient near the upper section of Platteklip Gorge. On assessment, the patient was found to be in critical condition, presenting with severe heat-related illness, and requiring urgent evacuation off the mountain.
The GMSRS Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) immediately notified Western Cape Department of Health EMS, who activated their specialised Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) medics and dispatched the Air Mercy Service helicopter. Western Cape DOH EMS further coordinated with Wilderness Search and Rescue volunteers and SANParks, to assist with securing a helicopter landing zone and preparing for a possible technical carry-out should a helicopter extraction not be possible.
During the response, staff from Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) went above and beyond to support the patient, their family and responding teams. TMACC personnel assisted in activating the on-site Hyperthermia Management Kit protocol, which includes the rapid establishment of an ice immersion bath to aggressively cool patients suffering from severe heat illness Inline with the latest international medical and best practice evidence.
This hyperthermia capability was developed collaboratively between clinical leads from Western Cape DOH EMS, WSAR, and GMSRS. The kits are made freely available to rescue partners, with one permanently on standby at the TMACC Upper Cable Station to support mountain operations.
While active cooling was underway, additional rescue medics arrived on scene to reinforce patient care. Once stabilised for transport, the patient was packaged into a specialised stretcher and successfully extracted from the mountain by the Western Cape DOH EMS Air Mercy Service helicopter. The patient was transported in critical condition to a local hospital for further definitive care.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all responding stakeholders, including Western Cape DOH EMS, Wilderness Search and Rescue, SANParks, Air Mercy Service, and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company team, for their coordinated and professional response under extreme environmental conditions.
This incident serves as an important reminder of the dangers of extreme heat exposure on Table Mountain. Hikers are strongly encouraged to start early, carry sufficient water, monitor weather conditions know the emergency phone numbers, and turn back if unwell.
GMSRS remains committed to supporting integrated mountain rescue and medical response efforts in partnership with provincial and volunteer agencies.
Wilderness Emergencies (Western Cape): 021 937 0300
For general media enquiries, contact our office during office hours on +27 87 073 6700 or email media@gmsrs.com
