Heat-related illness sends hikers to hospital

PHOENIX – A woman lies in a Valley hospital fighting for her life after being rescued from Piestewa Peak as the city of Phoenix endured another day of record-breaking heat, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

PFD tells 12News emergency crews were called around 12:45 p.m. Saturday after a hiker found a woman on the trail at Piestewa Peak about 200 yards from the parking lot.

Using a large wheel, firefighters managed to climb the woman and pull her down the mountain. She was then taken to hospital in critical condition.

“The incident appears to be heat-related,” PFD told 12News.

This rescue comes as Phoenix experienced record-breaking heat for the fourth straight day. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures at Sky Harbor International Airport reached 109 degrees just before noon on Saturday, breaking the previous high temperature record of 108 degrees set in 1992. On Saturday, temperatures are expected to reach anywhere from 111 to 116 degrees.

Signs of heat exhaustion to look out for include dizziness, thirst, profuse sweating, nausea and weakness, according to the NWS. If you see someone and think they may be suffering from heat exhaustion, try moving them to a cooler place, loosening their clothing, and having them drink cool water.

Signs of heat stroke include heat exhaustion, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you see someone and think they may be suffering from heat stroke, you should immediately call 911, move the person to a cooler location, loosen their clothing, remove any extra layers, and cool them with water or ice.

The National Weather Service encourages anyone who plans to spend time outdoors to stay hydrated and cool, use sunscreen and seek shade to take breaks from the heat.

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