PHOENIX — Mountain rescue crews have had a busy start to the sizzling Memorial Day weekend -- and it's only Saturday morning.
After 7 a.m., Phoenix Fire Technical Rescue Teams responded to Camelback Mountain for a heat-related emergency involving a man in his fifties. The hiker reportedly became overheated and dizzy and had to sit down until crews hiked up to meet him. Fortunately, he was able to walk himself down the mountain and did not need to be taken for treatment by ambulance.
Around 9 a.m., Glendale Fire crews were called to Thunderbird Park to help a man in his sixties who was experiencing a medical emergency possibly related to heat. Officials say he will be taken to the hospital for treatment.
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During the holiday weekend, we're expecting triple-digit highs in the Phoenix metro area, so use caution while outdoors.
After a series of heat-related incidents last month when temperatures were in the 90s, Scottsdale Fire Department reminded everyone of the importance of the phrase, “know your limits," especially when it's hot outside.
They tweeted: “Please choose trails that meet your hiking ability. Bring at least one more bottle of water than you think you need and once you have 1/2 your water gone, you should be at least halfway done with your hike. Wear sunscreen, good shoes and appropriate clothing. #WeCareForYou”
In Scottsdale, rescue crews responded to three rescues at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve before noon Saturday.
Scottsdale Fire Captain Dave Folio said two out-of-towners were rescued on Pinnacle Peak, but heat exhaustion can creep up on anyone.
"Dizziness, heat cramps, you start getting nauseous--vomiting, flush skin," he said.
If you notice someone with those symptoms, Folio says to call 911 immediately. There are things you can do to help while you wait for help.
"Get under some shade, wet some shirts, start cooling the body down because if the body gets to a too high of a level it gets into heatstroke and that's a whole other emergency," said Captain Folio.
The best way to prevent a rescue is to plan ahead.
"Be hydrated, be smart about it, wear light clothes, good shoes, take a cell phone with you too," said Captain Folio.
