Durban — A middle-aged man had to be airlifted to a medical facility in northern KwaZulu-Natal after misjudging a dive and hitting his head at the bottom of a swimming pool.
Start Rescue spokesperson Warren Brauns said Start St Lucia teams were activated following reports of an individual, 53, who had slipped and fallen into a pool on Sunday afternoon around 4.30pm at a lodge.
“On arrival, the patient was assessed and it was found that the patient had dived into a pool and misjudged depth hitting their head on the bottom of the pool,” Brauns said.
“Due to the nature of the injury, it was suspected that the patient had suffered severe head and spinal injuries, a decision was made to activate Start partner Netcare 911's NC7 for rapid transportation to a medical facility for the treatment the patient would require.”
Meanwhile, there was a near-drowning incident in Salt Rock, north coast of KZN, on Sunday.
IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Dylan Meyrick said their Medical Rescue together with IPSS Search and Rescue responded to (an alert in) Salt Rock beach where it was reported that a person began experiencing difficulty in the water.
“Upon the arrival of IPSS Search and Rescue, rescue swimmers entered the water and managed to pull the man to safety,” Meyrick said.
“The patient was stabilised by IPSS Medical Rescue paramedics and transported to a nearby facility for further care.”
Meyrick thanked KwaDukuza lifeguards for assisting.
Daily News