At 12h55, Friday, 05th January, NSRI Plettenberg Bay were activated to reports of a 50 year Dutch female tourist suffering a suspected heart attack at Robberg Nature Reserve.
NSRI medics responded from the land side and by sea rescue craft launching Ray Farnham Rescuer and Leonard Smith Rescuer with an NSRI doctor onboard and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was activated.
On arrival on the scene the woman, on a hike with her husband, and swimming at West Beach, Robberg Island, was found to be in a critical condition.
Members of the public were attending to the woman providing First Aid and they had raised the alarm and public remained on-site supporting and assisting NSRI.
While medical treatment continued Medlife ambulance services were dispatched to stand-by at the car park.
During medical treatment on the beach the 50 year old woman went into cardiac arrest twice. On both occasions extensive CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts and heart defibrillation using an AED restored her heart beat and restored spontaneous breathing.
The NSRI doctor and NSRI medics continued with extensive medical treatment in an effort to stabilise the patient. They were joined by EMS/AMS paramedics on the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter that arrived on the scene.
Following extensive efforts the woman was stabilised and airlifted to a hospital in George by EMS/AMS Skymed in a serious but stable condition. During the night, following further stabilisation by hospital staff, she has transferred to a hospital in Mossel Bay and remains in ICU in a serious but stable condition.
The Dutch Consulate are assisting with family support.
The massive public support on the scene is appreciated.
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