KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department’s mountain rescuers here were kept busy over the last 48 hours aiding three people suffering from acute mountain sickness (AMS).

       Its operation centre spokesman said the rescue bids involved two women and a man who could not continue the descent after suffering from mountain illness.

       They had to be brought down by stretchers.

       In safe hands: Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department mountain rescue team carrying a climber who was in distress on Mount Kinabalu.The spokesman said the distress calls were received between Friday and Saturday evening.

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

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

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

       “The next victim was taken down to the Timpohon Gate by the rescue team using a Robinson stretcher,” the unnamed spokesman said in a media statement yesterday.

       The third victim was handed over to the Emergency Medical Rescue Services van team for initial treatment before she was sent to Kundasang.

       The operations ended at 9.30pm on Saturday.