Hikers who ran into trouble due to heat rescued near George Lake
They had brought water - but not enough to make destination
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Salem man who experienced a heat-related medical emergency while hiking with his wife on the Pacific Crest Trail near George Lake west of Sisters was rescued Thursday in an effort that involved a Life Flight helicopter, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.
Deschutes County 911 dispatchers received a report around 4:20 p.m. of two hikers on the PCT suffering from heat-related issues who needed immediate help, said Lt. Bryan Husband, sheriff’s Search and Rescue coordinator.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue contacted the International Emergency Response Coordination Center, which received an “SOS” alert from the couple, who used a text-capable GPS device to transmit their location and that the man was experiencing a heat-related medical emergency.
The couple were about six miles south of Big Lake when they sent the alert, Husband said. They had parked at Big Lake, planning to hike to George Lake, but due to the heat had consumed all of their water before making it to George Lake, the closest water source.
Because it was estimated it would take at least three hours for SAR members to hike to the couple’s location, Life Flight was helicopter and agreed to fly to the area and try to find a nearby landing zone.
The air ambulance landed about 3/10 of a mile from the couple’s location and the crew hiked to the spot, beginning treatment shortly before 6 p.m, They were ultimately able to walk the pair back to the landing zone. Eventually, the man was flown to St. Charles Redmond, while SAR volunteers drove his wife back to their vehicle at Big Lake.
Husband said the sheriff’s office wanted to thank Life Flight for its assistance. He also noted that the couple are experienced hikers, but due to the hot weather consumed their water supply faster than expected.
The lieutenant reminded those planning backcountry recreation to prepare well for the current hot spell and to take advantage of early-morning hours, when temperatures are cooler. He also urged planning to take extra water, which is included in the "10 Essentials" of outdoor recreation.
