3 children in hospital following hiker rescue along Scottsdale trail
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Two babies and a child are in the hospital, after crews rescued them from an early morning hike.
The rescue happened along the Gateway Trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Helicopters and dozens of rescue vehicles could be seen in the area during the rescue.
"On the way here, we got additional information that a 10-year-old was having heat stroke," said Cpt. Folio. "We brought in a lot of units from Glendale, Tempe Technical Rescue Team, Scottsdale, and Phoenix Fire Technical Rescue Team."
Crews hoisted her into a helicopter, and she is listed in stable condition at the hospital.
Rescuers also used a big wheel to rescue two babies suffering in the sun.
"We also transported a 12-month-old and 18-month-old," said Cpt. Folio. "They are going to be transported to a local children’s hospital."
The others walked down the mountain, assisted by crews for the two-mile walk from where they were found. It is unclear if they are family, friends, from in town, or visitors, but Cpt. Folio said they started the hike at around 7:30 a.m., and then called 911 about three hours later, with only a 3% battery charge left on their phones.
"I understand they were all huddled under a tree in the wash," said Cpt. Folio, who stressed that these kinds of temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable: they can be deadly, especially for young kids.
Cpt. Folio also stressed the importance of hydrating the night before, the day of, and turning back around when you are halfway done with your water bottle on the trail. Having a fully charged phone and telling people about your location are also important.