“You’re Appreciated”: Robotic Exoskeleton Helps Exhausted Mom in Historic Table Mountain Rescue

• Wilderness Search and Rescue used a Hypershell Exoskeleton on a rescue for the first time in South Africa
• A 47-year-old mother was struggling to descend Platteklip Gorge after a long day on Table Mountain
• The family's early call for help gave rescuers the chance to reach them before the situation turned critical

A family's evening hike up Platteklip Gorge on Table Mountain made history on Saturday, 27 September 2024. When the group reached the summit, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway had already closed for the day. With darkness closing in and a steep descent ahead, they did something that rescuers say made all the difference: they called for help before things got worse.

The family contacted Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Western Cape on their emergency number, 021 937 0300, to flag that they were beginning their descent and might need support along the way. A small team, including a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, headed up the gorge to meet them.

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South Africa's first exoskeleton rescue

By the time the rescue team reached the family, the 47-year-old mother was exhausted and no longer able to continue under her own steam. To help her down the mountain, WSAR deployed a piece of technology that had never been used in a rescue operation in South Africa before: the Hypershell Exoskeleton.

The lightweight, battery-operated device straps around the hips and thighs to amplify the wearer's natural walking movement, easing the load on tired muscles with each step. Once the device was fitted, the woman's footing became steadier, and her confidence grew. She was able to walk herself off the mountain, supported by both the device and the team at her side. The rescue was concluded shortly after 23:00, with the entire family safely off the mountain.

Early call made all the difference

WSAR noted that the most critical moment in the rescue happened before their team even set out. By calling early, the family allowed rescuers to reach them at the right time and with the right equipment, rather than responding to a full emergency in the dark.

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See the original WSAR Facebook post that moved Mzansi below:

Mzansi shows the WSAR team love

South Africans were quick to celebrate both the rescue team's efforts and their use of technology:

@Gudrun Scott Cleghorn said:

"Not all heroes wear capes 🥇🥇."

@Elrico Julies wrote:

"I saw this family last night struggling to get down from Table Mountain. We couldn't help them. Thanks to Wilderness Search and Rescue. I am just glad they are safe."

@Andy Nold said:

"WSAR, our Guardian Angels on the mountains, never cease to amaze in their 24/7 efforts rescuing and saving lives on our mountains anywhere and anytime. Respect 🙏."

@Shelly Topham wrote:

"You guys are fantastic, and you do amazing work. Well done to all of you who regularly risk 'life and limb' to rescue others off the various mountains. You are appreciated!"

@Ronnie Smith commented:

"Angels of the mountain. Words can never do justice to these folk. Respect."

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@Clelland Kruger joked:

"Incredible use of technology. I wouldn't mind one for some of the normal hikes 😅."

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Source: Briefly News