3 Camelback Mountain hikers overcome by heat as temperatures soar
Jun 9, 2022, 2:02 PM | Updated: 2:07 pm
PHOENIX – Three Camelback Mountain hikers were hospitalized after being overcome by heat on Thursday morning, authorities said.
A technical rescue team initially responded the popular Phoenix recreation area after receiving reports that a 69-year-old man was unable to get down the Echo Canyon Trail on his own, the Phoenix Fire Department said in a press release.
The rescuers located the hiker and used a “big wheel” apparatus to get him down the mountain. The patient was taken by ambulance to a hospital in stable condition.
While they were coming down the trail, the firefighters came across a 26-year-old woman at the base of the mountain who needed medical attention because of the heat.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS.
It could save someone’s life.
Who’s at risk? https://t.co/4Snw7POlq5@PHXFire @Maricopahealth #PHXSummer #PHXHeat #PHXWeather @HeatReadyPHX pic.twitter.com/DMrj1zdY7n— City of Phoenix, AZ (@CityofPhoenixAZ) June 9, 2022
She was taken to a hospital in stable condition for further evaluation after a second rescue crew arrived to assist her.
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As the crews prepared to return to service, a 62-year-old woman who made it off the mountain under her own power asked to be evaluated because she, too, was struggling with the heat.
Additional units responded to treat her, and she was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The Valley is in the middle of an excessive heat warning that will remain in effect at least until Sunday night.
The city of Phoenix closes the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails at Camelback Mountain and all trails at Piestewa Peak during excessive heat warnings, but only from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday’s forecast called for a high temperature of 109 degrees. It was already 100 degrees by around 10:30 a.m., according to National Weather Service data.
The mercury is expected to reach at least 113 degrees Friday-Sunday.
Experts recommend staying hydrated, limiting time spent outdoors and remaining inside air-conditioned buildings if possible during periods of extreme heat.
People are also advised to check on elderly family members and neighbors.
