VIDEO: First responders say this is not a good time to be hiking โ even if you venture into the mountains where itโs cooler. But that message isnโt getting through to some people, and itโs putting a strain on search and rescue operations. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said to stay inside during the extreme heat to protect you and his crews. โTheyโre the same risks for you when youโre out in that heat,โ Nanos said. On Thursday, PCSD had to rescue a dehydrated woman from Mount Lemmon. Even in the higher elevations, their equipment couldnโt take the temperatures. โIf they sat there and hovered and used the lift and hoisted this person up, that probably would have brought our chopper down,โ Nanos said. โThank goodness they realized or recognized that this is not going to work for us.โ
Instead, they had to rely on help from other resources like Pinal County and the Southern Arizona Rescue Association, who do their work on foot. With heavy equipment on their backs and an intense trail to brace for, Amy Dimiceli with SARA said itโs just better to know the limits that all ages have when it comes to any temperature over 90 degrees. โIt doesnโt matter how long youโve been here, you can always fall victim to the heat,โ Dimiceli said. The best advice for these hot days is to be over-prepared with more water than you think you need. Make sure you communicate with a loved one on where youโre hiking and when youโll be back. Nanos said patience may be the best preventative measure for you and the people who want to help.
