MABOPANE [MORULA SUN] – 15 January 2012 at 17:00
The dedication and efforts of the ER24 Medicopter team probably saved a man’s life this afternoon when he experienced a severe medical emergency in an open veld near Morula Sun in Mabopane.
Shortly before 17:00 ER24 received a distress call from a lady explaining that her friend collapsed while a group of friends were riding off-road bikes. The lady explained to the ER24 Emergency Call Taker that she was not on scene herself and was contacted by another rider from the scene to send an ambulance. Seconds later the ER24 Emergency Call Taker was in contact with the rider on the scene and quickly learned that the situation is already critical.
The rider explained that he does not know exactly where they were and could only give the Morula Sun Casino as a landmark which they past approximately 30 minutes prior to the incident. The rider explained that there was no road access to their location and it would not be possible for a vehicle to enter the area.
ER24 dispatched their Medicopter and initiated a search and rescue mission based on the clinical and geographical information received from one of the riders on the scene.
The ER24 Medicopter pilot explained that they had to canvas the area around the Morula Sun Casino and approximately 20 minutes later they found the group of riders in the veld. Due to the uneven and hazardous terrain the Medicopter had to land almost a kilometer away from the incident between rocks and trees. Once landed, the Medicopter team were greeted by riders offering them a ride on their bikes to the collapsed rider.
Paramedics found the man lying next to his bike in a critical condition. The rider, believed to be in his 40’s, was barely breathing and paramedics had to initiate Advanced Life Support intervention to assist him with his basic life functions. Paramedics believe that the man suffered from severe dehydration and possibly an underlying medical condition that led to his critical condition. It is understood that the rider complained of not feeling well and the group started to push their bikes to a place of safety when he collapsed.
The Medicopter team knew that they had no easy task in transporting the injured rider to the Medicopter a kilometer away. With the rider being sedated he had to be carried as gently as possible to the awaiting Medicopter. The ER24 Contact Centre managed to make contact with riders at the Morula Sun Casino and requested their assistance. Once they arrived the man could be stabilised onto a special air matrass and carried to the Medicopter.
The rider was airlifted to the Life Fourways Hospital where a team of specialists were waiting for his arrival. It is understood that the rider is still in a critical condition in hospital.
The ER24 Medicopter team would like to advise people to stay well hydrated when going to or performing activities outdoors. If you do not feel well, rather stay safe and do not partake in any strenuous activities or consult a medical doctor.
ER24 would like to thank the team of riders for staying calm and initiating the emergency call which saved their fellow rider’s life.
Werner Vermaak, ER24
