British teen rescued after suffering mountain sickness on Mt Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU: A teenager from the United Kingdom had to be carried down from Mount Kinabalu after she suffered acute mountain sickness (AMS) and hypothermia.

The 17-year-old was with her family and they were on their way down from the summit when she started feeling unwell on Sunday (July 16).

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Hamsa Isnurdini said a mountain guide called for assistance from the mountain search and rescue team.

"An emergency call about the incident at the Panalaban Sick Bay was received at around 1.45pm," he said in a statement.

Other rescuers from Sabah Parks and mountain guides took part in the operation, he said.

Before being brought down the mountain, the teenager was given oxygen and emergency blankets as preliminary treatment, said Hamsa.

She was placed on a stretcher and carried down to the base.

Hamsa said the teenager was sent to the Ranau Hospital for further treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

The rescue operation ceased at 7.42pm, he said.