Search and rescue teams embarked on a challenging five-hour rescue operation in the Karkloof area on Friday, after a hiker sustained a serious leg injury and became stranded in difficult terrain.

The Witness reports that Mi7 Emergency Medical Services and SAPS Search and Rescue were dispatched around midday after reports that a man had slipped and fallen while hiking with his son.

According to Mi7, the man suffered a severe leg injury during the fall. With limited cellular reception in the area, his son initially attempted to help him reach safety, but the pain became too intense for the injured hiker to continue.

Due to the remote and challenging terrain, Mi7 dispatched a specialised rescue vehicle and an ambulance, which travelled as far as the trail allowed.

Paramedics from Mi7 and members of SAPS Search and Rescue then hiked more than 2km along a steep, narrow and muddy path, carrying all necessary medical and rescue equipment to reach the patient.

The man was treated on scene with advanced life support interventions.

A medical helicopter was placed on standby, but rescue teams were unable to secure a suitable landing zone because of the terrain.

The patient was subsequently carefully carried down the same hillside and transferred to the waiting ambulance.

The operation lasted more than five hours. Mi7 said the patient is recovering well.

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