KOTA KINABALU: The state Fire and Rescue Department's mountain rescuers were kept busy over the last 48 hours rescuing three people who suffered from acute mountain sickness (AMS).

       The department’s operations centre spokesman said two women and a man had to be brought down by stretcher, adding that the distress calls were made between Friday and Saturday evening.

       In the latest call at 5pm on Saturday, he said that a woman climber was not only suffering from altitude illness but had also sprained her leg at Mempening Hut along the mountain trail.

       A team of 24 members and officers including Mountain Search and Rescue (Mosar) as well as mountain guides were sent up to the area.

       “As soon as they arrived at the location where the victim was found, the Mosar team continued to provide initial treatment to ensure the victim was stable and safe.

       "The next victim was taken down to the Timpohon Gate using a Robinson stretcher by the rescue team," he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 20).

       The victim was handed over to the Emergency Services Assistance Unit (ERMS) team for initial treatment before she was sent to Kundasang.

       The operations ended at 9.30pm on Saturday.