RANAU: A 24-year-old Australian woman who suffered from breathing difficulties while scaling Mount Kinabalu had to be rescued by the Mount Kinabalu search and rescue team (Mosar) in another incident, here, Saturday - the fourth woman victim this month.
Ranau Fire and Rescue Department Chief Ridwan Mohd Taib said the incident happened at Km 6, near Laban Rata, at 9.30am.
“When the team arrived at the location situated 200 meters away from the Mosar post, we found that there was a climber suffering from severe Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) with oxymeter reading 55 and a severe fever.
“Rescuers acted to provide initial oxygen aid and then brought the victim down to Timpohon Gate using piggyback carry method,” he said.
The victim was handed over to the ambulance team for further treatment, and the whole operation ended at 1.56pm.
She was the 43rd victim of illness or injury on Mount Kinabalu so far this year.
Ridwan reiterated his advice to prospective climbers to assess their health before climbing Mount Kinabalu.
He said there must be mentally and physically prepared, and only bring along suitable and necessary items.
He also advised climbers scaling Mount Kinabalu to be extra careful during the current rainy season because the ground surface and rocks are more slippery than during normal weather.
“Always climb in groups, don’t walk alone and make sure to be attentive to the advice of the guides.
“This is so important in order to avoid any untoward incidents in the future,” he said.
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