IPOH: It took a search and rescue team nearly 10 hours to reach a 48-year-old Orang Asli man who was bitten by a venomous snake while foraging for jungle produce near Pos Kemar in Gerik.
Perak Fire and Rescue acting assistant director of operations Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah said the rescue operation was hampered by steep hills and dense forest before the victim was airlifted to safety on Monday (Nov 17).
The victim, identified as Sali Seruliou, had been searching for forest resources with a friend in the jungles near Kg Agek on Sunday (Nov 16) when he was bitten by the snake and became unable to move.
His friend rushed to a health clinic in Pos Kemar to seek help, and the department received a call at about 4.05pm on Sunday.
Firemen gathered with other agencies at the Pos Kemar public jetty at about 5.30pm before making the gruelling trek to the victim’s location at about 1.45am on Monday (Nov 17).
The journey took nearly 10 hours, with rescuers hiking uphill and navigating thick jungle terrain, before reaching the victim at 11.30am.
Emergency Medical Rescue Services personnel administered initial treatment based on instructions from a doctor at Pos Kemar, giving the victim painkillers and advising him to minimise movement.
At 12.45pm, firefighters trekked another 4km to an area with mobile phone coverage to send updates and coordinates for a medical evacuation. The team also spent about three hours preparing a landing zone for a rescue helicopter.
Shazlean said five rescuers sustained minor injuries during the operation and were sent back to Pos Kemar for treatment, while the others continued with the victim to the Gerik airstrip, where he was flown to Gerik Hospital for further treatment.
A total of 10 firefighters, supported by police, mountain guides and members of the public, were involved in the operation.
