Hiker Facing Hospitalization After Battling Extreme Heat Two Days Straight

A 30-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical condition after experiencing severe heat exhaustion, as reported by the Scottsdale Fire Department.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — For the second consecutive day, emergency responders dealt with a hiker suffering from heat-related illness. The incident occurred Sunday around 11:10 a.m. at the Gateway Loop Trail, near Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the woman in distress from severe heat exhaustion. She was evacuated using a specialized wheel apparatus and subsequently transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

This alarming incident follows another critical heat-related rescue just a day earlier. A hiker was rescued from Piestewa Peak in Phoenix and similarly hospitalized, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

The Valley has been grappling with extreme heat, recording temperatures as high as 108 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, surpassing the prior record of 107 degrees set in 2003. The National Weather Service predicts continued dangerously high temperatures, ranging from 109 to 113 degrees over the coming days.

Typically, September 29 sees an average high of 96 degrees, indicating an unusual and hazardous weather pattern this year.

Outdoor enthusiasts are urged to understand the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Key signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, excessive sweating, and nausea. Immediate measures should be taken to cool the affected individual, such as relocating them to a shaded area and providing cool water.

Heat stroke, a more severe condition, presents with symptoms like confusion or loss of consciousness. In such cases, it is essential to call 911, move the person to a cool place, and cool them down using water or ice without delay.

As the weekend continues, hikers and outdoor attendees are reminded to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety amid these high temperatures.