Thirteen people, including two infants, who got lost on an Arizona hiking trail during heat, were rescued on July 27, the local Fire Department reported.
The Scottsdale Fire Department said the group was visiting the area for a family reunion. They started hiking the Gateway Loop Trail in Scottsdale on the morning of July 26, according to a Facebook post.
“Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix, and Glendale technical rescue teams, have safely removed 13 lost hikers from the Gateway Loop Trail. A group of hikers in town for a family reunion, started hiking the trail at 7:30 am (Local time). Scottsdale Fire was dispatched at 10:06 am, for a mountain rescue,” the post read.
Officials located the family off the trail in a wash under a tree several miles in the trail, the Department said.
“Scottsdale paramedics treated a 10 year old, who was hoisted off the trail and transported to a local children’s hospital for evaluation,” the post continued.
The two infants, a 12-month-old and an 18-month-old were also removed from the trail by technical crews and were treated for symptoms of heat exhaustion after being taken to a local hospital.
Over 65 firefighters were called to the scene. An adult female was also hoisted from the trail by the rescue teams.
According to the local Fire Chief, the group had run low on water as they veered off the trail but was fortunate enough to call for help in adequate time.
Heat Alert
The same day, the area was issued with an extreme heat alert, with expected temperatures of up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Department issued precautionary instructions in their Facebook post, for people to protect themselves from the severe heat.
“One of the ways the body gets rid of excessive heat is through sweating. As sweat evaporates from the skin, we begin to cool down. However, when the system is overexerted or temperatures are extreme, this mechanism can fail, leading to a heat-related illness,” according to the post.
The Department advises to wear adequate footwear when out on hikes, such as sturdy hiking boots that are broken in and comfortable, as well as at least one quart of water. Hikers are advised to turn around when half of the water is gone, the Department said.
In addition, hikers are also advised to wear loose, light-colored clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Hikers should also remain on the trail at all times, take note of landmarks and location,s and carry a cell phone for emergency calls.
Heat Exhaustion
The Department warns of heat exhaustion as the most common condition caused by excessive heat.
“Heat exposure, stress, and fatigue are causes of heat exhaustion, which is due to the loss of water and electrolytes from heavy sweating. For sweating to be effective as a cooling mechanism, the sweat must be able to evaporate from the body,” the post read.
Heat Stroke
The Department said despite being the least common condition, heat stroke is the most serious illness caused by heat exposure, and occurs when the body is subjected to more heat than it can handle and normal mechanisms for getting rid of the excess heat are overwhelmed.
“If heatstroke is suspected, move the person into an air conditioned area, remove clothing, apply cool packs to the neck, groin, and armpits, cover with cool towels or sheets, fan them repeatedly, and call 911 or transport immediately to the hospital,” the Department said.