If in an Ezemvelo/KZN Wildlife area, then the reporting party should try at first to contact the nearest ranger's office, either by cell phone or by going there in person. As a second choice one can phone 0800-00-5133 and report that there is a “mountain rescue” required. The operator will then contact a Mountain Club Rescue Organiser and the rescue will get underway.
Remember that in rescues in remote areas of the mountains, it will take some time until help can get to you. In the case of a low key operation near to civilisation this may be less than an hour. In the case when a large powerful helicopter is needed, at least two or more hours or longer will go past before it arrives. This can be even longer if the weather is bad and a rescue team has to drive to the mountains and then hike to the scene.
When reporting an emergency or death:
Do's... • Stay in cell phone range or near to the landline phone that was used to make the call • Give your name and phone number • Give the exact location • Givethe patient's name, age and gender • Give the symptoms or problem • Give the present weather conditions
Don'ts... • Don't panic • Don't make hasty decisions. Most emergencies are sorted out better after a little thought and planning. • Administer First Aid to the best of your ability and training. • Don't call private insurance or ambulance companies that are neither equipped nor authorised to carry out rescues in the Drakensberg • In the case of a known fatality, do not move a corpse or disturb the area until authorized to do so by the police.