“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
- Briefly News reached out to David Nel, WSAR Spokesperson, who shared details on using a cutting-edge exoskeleton during a Table Mountain rescue and offered vital summer hiking tips
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Source: Facebook
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.
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.
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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.
See the original WSAR Facebook post that moved Mzansi below:
Wilderness Search and Rescue tests exoskeleton on exhausted hiker
The Briefly News team spoke with David Nel, spokesperson for Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), who opened up about the patient's reaction to the new device, plans for rescue technology in South Africa, and key guidelines for staying safe outdoors.
We asked how the patient reacted when the exoskeleton was first fitted onto her. He shared:
“She was understandably tired after reaching the top of Platteklip Gorge and was initially quite surprised by the device. Once it was fitted and she started walking with it, however, she quickly became comfortable with it. The powered assistance was noticeable with each step and appeared to make walking a little easier for her. It was a good example of how technology can provide our teams with another option when dealing with an exhausted hiker.”
The team asked whether there are plans to deploy this technology across other search and rescue teams in South Africa. He added:
“This was the first time an exoskeleton of this type has been deployed during a search and rescue operation in South Africa, so we are still very much in the evaluation phase. At WSAR, we are interested in any technologies that can complement the skills and capabilities of our rescue teams and potentially make operations more efficient and sustainable. We will be looking at what we learned from this deployment and whether the technology could have useful applications in other types of rescue operations and terrain. There are no immediate plans to roll it out across search and rescue teams nationally, but this experience allows us to explore what is possible.”
When asked what advice he has for hikers as we head into warmer weather. David said:
“As we move into summer, heat, dehydration and exhaustion become increasingly common factors in mountain incidents. Cape Town's mountains can also be deceptive - conditions can change quickly, and a route that feels manageable early in the day can become very demanding in the heat. Our advice is to: Start early and avoid the hottest part of the day where possible. Carry enough water for the entire hike. Don't rely on finding water along the route. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Know your route and make sure you understand the distance, elevation and expected duration before setting out. Allow enough time to get down before dark, particularly as some routes can take considerably longer than expected.
Tell someone where you're going and, where possible, hike with a friend rather than alone. Take a charged phone and consider carrying an appropriate emergency communication device on longer or more remote hikes. Watch the weather and conditions, including heat and wind, before setting out. Most importantly, don't wait until you're in trouble to ask for help. If you realise you're becoming exhausted, injured or unable to safely continue, call for assistance early. As part of our Safe My Mate message, we encourage hikers to stop, check in and call for help early. Making that call is not a failure - it can prevent a difficult situation from becoming an emergency.”
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."
@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
