Firemen Take 10 Hours To Rescue Orang Asli Man Bitten By Snake In Gerik

IPOH, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Fire and Rescue Department personnel took 10 hours to rescue a 48-year-old Orang Asli man who was immobilised after being bitten by a venomous snake while collecting forest produce in Pos Kemar, Kampung Agek near Gerik yesterday.

Acting Perak Fire and Rescue Operations deputy director Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah said the location was about 40 kilometres away, and a 10-member team assisted by police began the trek at 1.45 am.

The victim, Sali Seruliou, was located at 11.30 am today after rescuers, aided by three mountain guides and local residents, navigated steep terrain and dense forest.

A helicopter landing zone was then prepared to airlift Sali to safety, with initial treatment administered on-site, including painkillers and instructions to restrict movement, he said.

Shazlean added that five rescuers sustained minor injuries due to the challenging terrain, and both the victim and the injured team members were later transported to Gerik Hospital for further treatment, with the operation concluding at 6 pm.

-- BERNAMA