Fire department rescues dehydrated hiker, offers hiking safety tips for the heat

A man was rescued from the the Franklin mountains after being dehydrated and losing strength. The man was doing well after being rescued and recovering.

A 50-year-old man went out hiking on the Thousand steps trail around 6:00 am Sunday morning, when temperatures were still cool. By 9:00 am temperatures were nearing 90 degrees, he was dehydrated and called 911 for help.

“With these heat waves we are experiencing it’s always important to keep ourselves hydrated. It’s always important to have at least a gallon of water, especially wear a hat or a cap, something that can shield you from the sun,” said Enrique Aguilar, with the El Paso Fire Department

That gallon, or four liters of water, is what can keep your mind clear and your body running so you can get home safely. Dehydration will always knock you down, no matter how experienced a hiker you are.

Hiking buddies are another good way to stay safe.

“Regardless of any trail, we are recommending that you always come with someone else so you can be part of a group,’ Aguilar said.

Always make sure your phone is charged.

The most important tip of all, never be afraid to call 911.

“If you’re experiencing vomiting, if you’re experiencing heat exhaustion, if you’re unable to come down or don’t know where to go, how to come back, just give us a call,” said Aguilar.

You should take four liters of water per person when you go hiking, but you obviously can’t carry four of these one liter bottles in your hands, so grab a backpack and throw some snacks int here along with the water.