If you happen to come across the scene of a wilderness rescue somewhere in South Africa, you will most likely see a SARZA member amongst the team of dedicated volunteers who give up their free time and own finances to go out, often in the worst of weather, to help someone in distress. Read two stories of their daring rescues below.
First Ascent has been a lifesaver for SARZA in making sure we are well prepared against the elements; and indirectly contributes to saving the lives of so many who visit the beautiful Mother City to climb our Jewel in the heart of the city, Table Mountain.
Part 1: Franschoek
A cold, windy Saturday in the mountains above Franschhoek is what triggered the relationship between SARZA and First Ascent. It all started as a cut-and-dry trail running event and turned into an 8-hour ordeal which amplified the need for good mountain gear.
SARZA is a Search and Rescue organisation made up purely of volunteers, each of whom is responsible for buying their own equipment and clothing. Some buy what they can, others buy what they need. SARZA performs mountain support at events like these to gather donations to buy equipment.
Just after 2pm the trail run had ended and things were wrapping up. Runners were enjoying warm (and other) drinks in the picturesque Franschhoek town while the last of the route marshals were making their way down to the Mont Rochelle ranger’s station. We could see them in the distance, small dots of bright yellow and orange jackets, getting ever larger as they crawled their way down the path.
Suddenly the radio crackled into life and through the static, we made out a message telling us that a marshal had fallen and possibly injured his leg. He was unable to continue. Four of our SARZA Search and Rescue members sprung into action and made a hasty walk up the mere 2km track where we found our patient with some of his friends in close attendance. Very quickly it was established that his ankle was in fact severely injured and we would need to carry him out. What many folk don’t realise is that when we carry a stretcher, the stretcher straddles the neat footpath and the rescuers walk in the rough stuff on either side of the path. After calling in extra hands and a 3 hour walk along some pretty tough terrain, we exited the reserve to fill our bellies with ice-cold, yet very welcome pizzas.
The icy wind which rushes up Platteklip gorge, seemingly straight from the Antarctic is no match for the First Ascent Vertex Expedition Jacket worn with super warm and moisture managing baselayers.
Part 2: Turkiye
On the 6th of February 2023, a devastating earthquake struck part of Turkiye. Within 48 hours, SARZA team members were on the ground in the disaster zone delivering assistance to those in need. The SARZA team was embedded in the response team of a humanitarian agency and was responsible for setting up communication and logistics capabilities in and around Adana, a city in Southern Turkiye. Our team was one of the first agencies on the ground after the disaster struck. Us South Africans were not prepared for the icy climate when we arrived on Turkish soil. Snow could be seen on the distant mountains and temperatures in the city of Adana, where our teams were deployed, had plummeted to just 5 degrees above freezing. Feedback from the team was that the First Ascent Baselayers and Fleece layers made it easy to work and the cold was kept at bay, especially after donning the bright orange Vertex Jacket. One of the risks rescuers often face in these conditions is that one perspires a lot during the work and clothing end up being a soaked towel which freezes once you stop and hypothermia sets in. The First Ascent team clearly understood this and their apparel kept the team warm and dry for the duration.
First Ascent Gear has certainly proved its mettle in these circumstances. Whether it be the technical pants, which withstand the attack from fynbos and other bushes in the mountain; or the bamboo baselayers and the fleece tops. We are kept warm and dry by this incredible system made by experts who understand the rigours of not only outdoor sportsmen and women, but also professionals who ply their trade in the rough outdoors.
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