Rhino attack in KZN leaves one person critically injured

One person sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a rhino in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson said paramedics responded to an emergency call following a rhino attack just outside the Pietermaritzburg area on Monday.

Attack

“Our advanced life support ambulance was promptly dispatched to the scene to provide urgent medical assistance.

“On arrival, our team found one person who had sustained serious injuries and was in critical condition. Immediate advanced life support treatment was initiated to stabilise the patient. This included the use of specialised rescue equipment to ensure safe and effective care in a challenging environment,” Robertson said.

Robertson said the patient was stabilised on-site and taken to hospital for further treatment.

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Rhinos

It’s unclear why the rhino attacked the individual. 

According to the Kruger National Park, rhinos may be unpredictable and temperamental, but they are beautiful creatures that are part of the magic that the African bushveld holds.

“It is thus of vital importance to keep them safe and healthy, which is done through conservation efforts such as data capturing of populations and treating injured rhinos that have faced the threat of poaching,” it said.

Horse riding accident

In a separate incident, a child was left with serious injuries after a horse-riding accident in the province.

Robertson said its K9 Unit, together with the Midlands EMS Howick ambulance team and advanced life support paramedics, were dispatched to the incident in the Howick area.

“Upon arrival, it was determined that a child had sustained serious injuries and required urgent advanced life support treatment.

“The child was stabilised on the scene using specialised rescue equipment before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care,” Roberton said.

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