Woman suffers heat exhaustion on South Mountain, in extremely critical condition

PHOENIX - A woman is fighting for her life after suffering heat exhaustion while hiking up South Mountain, fire crews said Sunday.

A 60-year-old woman had been hiking a trail just before 7 a.m. when her daughter noticed that she was suffering from heat illness.

The daughter called 911, and firefighters found the woman a half-mile up the trail with "an altered level of consciousness."

The hiker was loaded onto a big wheel and was eventually taken to a hospital in extremely critical condition.

Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler fire crews all helped with the rescue.

Hiking safety tips

• Avoid drinking the night before, or drinking coffee in the morning.
• Wear the proper gear: footwear, hats, sunglasses
• Bring a fully charged phone and hike with someone
• Hydrate before, during and after a hike
• Pick a cooler time of day
• If you're hiking alone, tell someone where you're going
• Know your limitations
• Stay on the trail

Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke

The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings
• Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day)
• Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day
• Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside

Take a Hike. Do it Right campaign: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikeright

More heat resources: http://heataz.gov

Heat relief stations: https://www.salvationarmyphoenix.org/extreme-heat-relief

MORE: Know your limitations: Phoenix first responders ask hikers to prepare for heat, avoid overexertion

More Arizona headlines

• Toddler fighting for her life after Phoenix near-drowning incident
• North Phoenix crash involving motorcycle leaves man dead, another seriously injured
• Hiker found dead after separating from group that became dehydrated in Mohave County