HAENA — The Kauai Fire Department (KFD) rescued a 57-year-old female visitor from Virginia Beach, Virginia, on the Hanakapiai Trail in Haena on Saturday.
According to a preliminary report, shortly after 2:25 p.m., personnel from the Hanalei Fire Station and Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 were dispatched to a report of a distressed hiker along the Hanakapiai Trail.
Once on scene, crews located the hiker, who was experiencing apparent weakness, exhaustion and nausea. The patient was assessed at the 1.5-mile landing zone and transported by Air 1 to the Princeville Airport, where care was transferred to American Medical Response personnel for advanced medical treatment.
The scene was cleared at approximately 3:40 p.m.
KFD reminds the public to plan ahead when hiking the Hanakapiai and Kalalau trails. Conditions can be challenging due to steep terrain, heat and limited access to drinking water. Hikers are encouraged to stay hydrated, know their limits and turn back before fatigue sets in.
On Thursday personnel from the Kauai Fire Department rescued a 45-year-old male Texas visitor from the Kalalau Trail
“Our crews acted decisively and safely to ensure that both the hiker and our personnel would not be exposed to the hazards of an overnight stay in remote terrain,” said Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Their sound judgment and teamwork reflect the level of professionalism and care our department strives to provide every day.”
KFD and Air 1 personnel made the critical decision to expedite the response due to rapidly diminishing daylight and the remote location of the hiker. Recognizing the risk of nightfall, the team initiated a timely air rescue operation to avoid leaving the hiker and rescuers stranded overnight in rugged terrain. Personnel with Lihue Fire Station aboard Air 1 responded to the incident.
According to a preliminary report, first responders received a report of a distressed hiker shortly before 5:45 p.m. as the hiker activated the SOS alert via satellite phone, reporting vomiting and severe cramping.
First responders arrived on scene at the Hanakoa landing zone and discovered the distressed hiker with alleged stomach pain. The distressed hiker was safely loaded into the helicopter at the Hanakoa landing zone, where they were taken to Princeville Airport. Upon landing at Princeville Airport, the hiker refused further medical attention.
The Kauai Fire Department reminds all hikers to plan trips with daylight and weather in mind, to carry reliable communication devices, and to turn around early if fatigue or medical issues arise.
The scene was cleared shortly before 6:30 p.m.
Source: The Garden Island
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