An Oahu woman's hike on Kalalau Trail took a distressing turn this past Wednesday, prompting a response from Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD). According to the Kaua‘i County press release, the 40-year-old was suffering from ankle pain due to a preexisting injury and was unable to complete her hike.
The situation began unfolding at approximately 9 a.m. when the fire department's dispatch received a text-to-911 from the hiker. Despite the apparent severity of her condition, the woman was ambulatory when rescue personnel arrived at the scene near the Red Hill landing zone, a detail noted in the county's release. They reached her shortly before 9:30 a.m., demonstrating the swift response times KFD aims to maintain.
Assistance was provided by firefighters from the Līhu‘e Fire Station aboard their Air 1 helicopter. The rapid aerial response was crucial in securing the hiker's safety. The woman, able to walk unassisted, was nevertheless escorted into the helicopter, adhering to safety protocols. This ensured a secure transport to the Princeville Airport, as reported by Kaua‘i County's press release.
At Princeville Airport, the hiker was greeted by additional fire department personnel and American Medical Response. She declined further medical care after being assessed by first responders. The incident concluded and the scene was cleared shortly after 11 a.m.
