Hiker airlifted off South Mountain trail, hospitalized for heat-related illness
Aug 4, 2023, 11:16 AM | Updated: 11:30 am
PHOENIX — A hiker with autism was hospitalized for heat-related illness after being airlifted off a South Mountain trail Friday morning, authorities said.
Rescue crews responded to the Mormon Trail around 9 a.m. and hiked to the summit, where they found a 22-year-old man in critical condition, the Phoenix Fire Department said.
Firefighters initiated advanced cooling measures to reduce the patient’s temperature and anxiety.
A helicopter was called to carry the man to a nearby park, where an ambulance was waiting to take him to the hospital.
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The firefighters on the call were going through a rehab and rehydration process before returning to service.
How hot was it in Phoenix on day of rescue?
The temperature in Phoenix was in the upper 90s by 9 a.m. on a day when the forecast called for a highs above 110.
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for metro Phoenix starting at 10 a.m. Friday and running through 8 p.m. Monday.
Record breaking temperatures are likely this weekend as highs climb to around 115-117 degrees across the lower deserts. An Excessive Heat Warning begins tomorrow. Please take this heat seriously and limit time spent outdoors. #azwx pic.twitter.com/Xt4CV3FvPf
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 3, 2023
The city of Phoenix closes some of its trails while excessive heat warning are in effect, but South Mountain is not part of the restricted hiking areas.
