On Monday, Phoenix firefighters faced the sweltering summer heat to rescue several hikers from Camelback Mountain, one of whom is now in critical condition. The series of emergencies began unfolding around 11:00 a.m., when the responders were called to Echo Canyon Trail after reports of hikers struggling with the extreme temperatures. According to the reports obtained by 12 News, two women were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The rescue operation involved both a police helicopter and ground crews, with three individuals airlifted off the mountain and one more evacuated using a big wheel stretcher. Firefighters are required to hike with substantial gear to reach patients in such instances, putting an additional physical burden on them under the harsh desert sun. As reported by Phoenix Fire Captain Daniel Lee to FOX 10 Phoenix, one of the victims required immersion in an ice bath to rapidly cool down.
Capt. Lee emphasized the importance of ice in such heat-related emergencies, stating, "Those bags of ice definitely help bring the core temperature down. It's been a proven thing that the fire department has been using on heat emergencies all throughout the Valley, not just on trails, but actually out in the Valley." The fire department reports no injuries amongst their crew during this operation, highlighting the rigorous precautions they take to ensure the well-being of both the hikers and the rescuers.
After the rescue, firefighters themselves go through a recovery process known as rehab, where they cool off in air-conditioned vehicles, hydrate, and are monitored for any health concerns before returning to service. Captain Lee added, "We'll check their vital signs to make sure that there's nothing out of the way. We want to make sure our crews are up to the peak standards and it's safe for them to go back in service, too," according to an interview given to FOX 10 Phoenix. The names and ages of the victims have not been disclosed to the public at this time.
