Firefighters rescued a dehydrated man off a trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve amid record-setting heat on Friday.
Just before 10 a.m., Scottsdale and Phoenix fire crews were dispatched to Tom’s Thumb Trailhead after reports that a 68-year-old man began showing signs of dehydration while hiking, according to the Scottsdale Fire Department.
Crews called the man and found that he was about a mile and a half into the trail.
Scottsdale paramedics hiked and rode e-bikes to reach the man, where he was evaluated and treated until he was brought off the mountain using a big wheel stretcher.
Both the Scottsdale and Phoenix fire departments recommended tips and steps before heading out:
- Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated the night before, during and after your hike
- Charge your cell phone to 100%
- Wear light-colored, appropriate hiking clothing
- Apply sunscreen with SPF protection
- Wear proper hiking shoes
- Bring a hat
