Where Trail SAR fits In Trail Search and Rescue operates within WSAR as a hasty team and support on rescues. Trail SAR is made up of skilled, highly experienced trail runners- athletes who know the mountain intimately- combining endurance, deep terrain knowledge, and rescue training to respond quickly and operate effectively as part of a coordinated search and rescue system.
FEATURE
A call to 021 937 0300 triggers the process. Metro gathers and verifies information, and puts a Call Out to WSAR. An Incident Manager will coordinate and manage the teams, to ensure that rescue teams have the necessary equipment and support, prioritising the safety of the rescue team and patient at all times while performing a rescue.
It is a layered system designed to respond quickly, scale as needed and adapt as conditions change.
Who gets into trouble, and why? Accidents happen, most rescues are not for trail runners but anyone can find themselves in trouble from a twisted ankle or fall to an underlying medical condition and it is great to know that there are trained volunteers willing to help.
While there are rescues for trail runners, mountain bikers and rock climbers, the most common rescues involve hikers, often beginner hikers, or international visitors, who underestimate the terrain, the weather, or the complexity of navigation on mountains like Table Mountain.
Common factors include:
• Navigation errors, often linked to overreliance of apps, ignoring of signs and insufficient route planning
• Underestimating the terrain
• Becoming disoriented in mist or fading light
• Falls on steep or exposed terrain
• Dehydration and heat exhaustion
• Inadequate preparation, including wrong shoes, not packing warm clothes, or enough water or a headlamp.
• Underlying medical issues, often triggered by exertion or taking new medication.
Their strength lies in a combination of:
• Speed – reaching incidents quickly
• Fitness & endurance – sustaining effort over long distances and extended callouts
• Mountain knowledge – understanding routes, terrain, weather and access points
This allows Trail SAR to:
• Reach patients early and assess the situation
• Provide immediate support( water, basic care, reassurance)
• Conduct searches when locations are uncertain
• Relay accurate, real-time information to rescue teams
• Assist with stretcher carries, landing zones for AMS and carry rescue gear for medics and technical teams.
In many cases, Trail SAR provides the first structured presence on scene, helping stabilise the patient, manage spectators, removing hazards and risks and ensuring the adequate response follows.
What it takes to be Trail SAR Trail SAR operates within a professional rescue environment, and entry into the team reflects that.
To be operational, members must meet minimum fitness standards:
• Ascend Platteklip Gorge in approximately 50 minutes
• Comfortably complete a 20km trail run
• Move confidently across major routes including Platteklip Gorge, India Venster, Lion’ s Head, Skeleton Gorge, and Llandudno Ravine
• Have an in-depth knowledge of trails, this includes trail names, escape routes, where to find signal and points of interest.
• Be comfortable for extended periods of exposure in volatile conditions( i. e. heat, rain, wind and at night)
• Be a great communicator and team player.
Before joining the response team, volunteers are required to complete:
• A Trail SAR training run( to assess pace, terrain familiarity, and team integration and identify strengths and weaknesses)
• An introductory training session covering rescue protocols and expectations
• Online training modules
Ongoing participation includes regular training sessions, often alongside other rescue units.
Operational expectations include:
• Responding only when authorised
• Following incident command structures at all times
• Maintaining strict confidentiality
• Working as a team
• Prioritising safety for both rescuers and patients
This is a voluntary role. Members are largely self-funded and commit personal time to training and callouts.
Trail SAR requires more than fitness, it requires discipline, reliability, and the ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments.
Prevention and participation Most incidents are preventable. Carry enough water. Pack a light. Know your route.
Tell someone your route and estimate times. Don’ t rely solely on an app. Save the number: 021 937 0300.
For those who spend time in these mountains, who know the terrain and are willing to commit, there is also an opportunity to be part of the response.
Trail Search and Rescue exists because individuals choose to step forward and contribute their time, fitness, and knowledge to something bigger than themselves.
More than just speed Trail Search and Rescue is often associated with speed.
In reality, it’ s about arriving early, moving efficiently, and supporting a coordinated response when it matters most.
In the mountains, that combination can make all the difference. www. modernathlete. co. za 41