Honolulu Fire Department rescue personnel spent a busy weekend assisting several people stricken with heat-related illnesses on Oahu trails.
On Sunday, firefighters were called to the Koko Crater Trail at about 1:30 p.m. to assist a 59-year-old woman who was overcome by hot, humid conditions. The woman was airlifted to a nearby landing zone, where she was transferred to the care of Emergency Medical Services personnel.
During the call, firefighters were also helped a second person who was experiencing difficulty breathing.
On Saturday, HFD personnel responded to a half-dozen emergency calls involving hikers in distress, including a party of 18 that stalled while hiking on the Manana Trail.
According to HFD spokesman Capt. David Jenkins, several members of the party showed signs of dehydration. An HFD helicopter was used to airlift 11 people to a nearby landing zone; the other seven hikers were able to exit the trail on their own. The initial call came shortly before 3 p.m. The last hiker was ushered to safety by 5:17 p.m.
Jenkins said the busy weekend served as an important reminder for hikers to do what they can to avoid preventable emergency situations.
"We will never deny anyone who is in need of rescue, but there are things people can do to minimize risks and help us avoid situations where there are concurrent emergencies, especially situations where a helicopter may be needed but is unavailable because of another emergency," he said.
Jenkins reminded hikers to follow basic hiking rules by staying on marked trails; eating and hydrating appropriately; carrying extra food, water, overnight supplies and at least one fully charged mobile phone; sharing a hiking plan; hiking within one’s ability; and anticipating changes in weather.
He recommended that hikers review further hiking tips available at nps.gov.
Similar hiking conditions are likely to linger through the week as a surface high-pressure ridge persists over the islands, causing elevated humidity and haze.
