ST. GEORGE — Two hikers had to be located and then hoisted by helicopter out of Pine Valley Saturday after they wandered off the trail and then ran out of water.
Washington County Sheriff’s deputy Brandon Lacagnina told St. George News that the initial difficulty for emergency responders was locating the hikers.
“The main issue was the GPS had a very large radius, it covered the whole mountain,” Lacagnina said by phone shortly after returning from the scene. “Since they were off trail they didn’t know where they were at and couldn’t see us and tell us where to go.”
He went on to say that with the help of the Star 8 search and rescue helicopter, the hikers were located.
“It was two males in their early 20’s,” Lacagnina said. “There were out hiking and they went off trail. Afterwards they said they’d been hiking for around 14 hours that day.”
The rescue incident command post was located on Lloyd Canyon Drive, he noted. The hikers also started their hike from there.
“The problem was they ran out of water on the way up the mountain,” Lacagnina said. “They were exposed to the sun and heat for an extended period of time.”
Both patients had to be air lifted from the mountain due to medical concerns, one at a time.
“The more severely dehydrated patient was first,” he said. “He was checked out by an Enterprise ambulance and then ultimately flown by Life Flight to the hospital because he was more critical. I don’t have any other details of his condition at this time.”
The second patient, Lacagnina added, was checked by medical personnel on the scene and returned home to his family from there. He reminded resident’s that the incident serves as an example for all hikers.
“Please don’t leave the trail,” he said. “If you’re going to go on an extended hike in the heat of daytime, you really have to watch yourself and know your limits.”
Lacagnina also urged hikers to “be prepared for everything. Bring more than enough water, food and snacks. Dress appropriately.”
Responding agencies included personnel from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff Search and Rescue, Pine Valley, Central and Enterprise Fire Departments. This report is based on statements by first responders and may not include the full scope of their findings.
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