Grand Canyon Park Rangers Responded To Multiple Incidents Over The Weekend

Grand Canyon National Park rangers responded to multiple heat related search and rescue incidents this past weekend. On Saturday, Phantom Ranch rangers responded to a river runner experiencing heat illness and fatigue on a Colorado River trip. The river runner drank an excessive quantity of water, leading to hyponatremia and an altered level of consciousness. The park’s helicopter and ambulance transported the patient to the Flagstaff Medical Center. On Sunday, Indian Garden rangers responded to a hiker experiencing an altered level of consciousness on the Bright Angel Trail. When rangers arrived they observed the hiker was in heat stroke and immediately used active cooling measures. The patient was transferred via helicopter to the Flagstaff Medical Center. Other incidents this weekend involved assists for hikers experiencing heat exhaustion on the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Hikers and backpackers attempting hikes in the inner canyon are strongly encouraged to be prepared for excessively hot temperatures and to understand their own physical limitations in order to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders.