ARIZONA NEWS

Hiker airlifted off South Mountain trail, hospitalized for heat-related illness

Aug 4, 2023, 11:16 AM | Updated: 11:30 am

A man with autism was hospitalized for heat-related illness after being airlifted off a South Mountain hiking trail by Phoenix Fire Department rescue crews on Friday morning, Aug. 4, 2023. A man with autism was hospitalized for heat-related illness after being airlifted off a South Mountain hiking trail by Phoenix Fire Department rescue crews on Friday morning, Aug. 4, 2023. A man with autism was hospitalized for heat-related illness after being airlifted off a South Mountain hiking trail by Phoenix Fire Department rescue crews on Friday morning, Aug. 4, 2023. A man with autism was hospitalized for heat-related illness after being airlifted off a South Mountain hiking trail by Phoenix Fire Department rescue crews on Friday morning, Aug. 4, 2023. A man with autism was hospitalized for heat-related illness after being airlifted off a South Mountain hiking trail by Phoenix Fire Department rescue crews on Friday morning, Aug. 4, 2023.

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.

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.

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.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

In this Sept. 15, 1966, file photo, then Georgia State Sen. Jimmy Carter hugs his wife, Rosalynn, a...

Associated Press

Jimmy Carter admirers across generations celebrate the former president’s 99th birthday

Attendees on Saturday saw tributes to Jimmy Carter and competed in rounds of trivia that highlighted underappreciated details about his life.

28 minutes ago

(Facebook File Photo/Phoenix Police Department)...

KTAR.com

Man kills woman, shoots man then commits suicide in South Phoenix

According to Phoenix police, a Phoenix man shot and killed himself after witnesses identified him as a suspect in an earlier double shooting.

2 hours ago

patrol car in front of caution tape...

KTAR.com

Man shot and killed Friday night in downtown Phoenix

Phoenix police detectives are seeking more information after officer found a man with a gunshot wound in downtown Phoenix late Friday night.

3 hours ago

Officer involved shooting Glendale...

KTAR.com

Police investigating deaths of 2 men in Glendale

Police are investigating the deaths of two men in Glendale.

4 hours ago

File photo of a night-time crime scene in Phoenix, Arizona....

KTAR.com

Man killed after motorcycle crashes into car in Phoenix

Police are investigating a fatal collision involving a motorcycle and a car that took place in a Phoenix intersection

6 hours ago

(Photo provided by Peoria Police Department.)...

KTAR.com

Police seek assistance in locating endangered senior from Peoria

The Peoria Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating an 83-year-old man who has several medical conditions, for which he receives medical treatment.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Home moving relocation in Arizona 2023...

BMS Moving

Tips for making your move in Arizona easier

If you're moving to a new home in Arizona, use this to-do list to alleviate some stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

...

Ignite Digital

How to unlock the power of digital marketing for Phoenix businesses

All businesses around the Valley hopes to maximize their ROI with current customers and secure a greater market share in the digital sphere.

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

Hiker airlifted off South Mountain trail, hospitalized for heat-related illness