Firefighters have already completed dozens of hiking rescues across Maricopa County as Arizona’s summer arrives. Departments share tips to stay safe on the trails.
Hydrating the day before a hike and during the hike are the best ways to avoid heat related illnesses.
“The heat does not discriminate, it’s going to find you,” said Dave Folio, Scottsdale fire captain. “It’s with you the entire time you are hiking.”
Metro area trails differ from northern Arizona trails because there is less shade and higher temperatures.
“Start early, end early so you are not out in the middle of the day,” Folio said.
Folio said heat exhaustion signs include feeling dizzy, sweating excessively, or having a dry mouth.
“You need to get more water, turn back to the trailhead,” Folio said. “Then if it moves to heat stroke, where you’re starting to feel like you’re (going to) vomit, you’re going to pass out, that's a 911 call. Call us immediately.”
Folio said having a fully charged phone can be a huge help to rescue teams.
“So we can ping your phone and come to the location you’re at,” Folio said. “It’s really important you are not using your phone while you are out at the trail, killing your battery.”
When your water is halfway, turn around and end the hike.
