Woman rescued from hiking trail in Scottsdale with help of drone

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - A woman was rescued off of a hiking trail near Scottsdale on Saturday.

Scottsdale and Phoenix Fire rescue crews were able to rescue a woman in her 60s off of Ringtail Trail in northeastern Scottsdale early Saturday morning. Officials said she called 911, saying that she was having heat exhaustion symptoms and needed help. A Scottsdale Fire Department drone was able to locate her and assist crews in finding her location. “We couldn’t pick up a phone ping on what trail she was on so we actually picked her up fairly quickly because of the drone we launched and she was wearing a bright-colored shirt which made it a lot easier,” said Scottsdale Fire Captian Dave Folio.

The department has six drones, all of which can fly 400 feet and five miles away from the drone pilot. Because of the live stream capabilities of the drones and its ability to transmit exact coordinates to firefighters, drones could mean the difference between life and death for someone in danger. Water bottles, life vests, helmets, speakers, and flashlights can also be attached to the drone.

Shortly after the 63-year-old woman was rescued from Ringtail Trail, another woman needed to be helped down a mountain. First responders also responded to a third rescue call for a 60-year-old man that had to be airlifted to a hospital. The Scottsdale Fire Department says age, medications, and exertion can all cause heat-related illness. “Know your limitations. If you’re going to go out there hydrate the night before not the morning of,” says Capt. Folio.

The Scottsdale Fire Department encourages everyone to practice the following safe hiking practices, especially in high temperatures.

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
2. Wear light, loose, sweat-wicking clothes, and avoid cotton.
3. Wear a hat & sunscreen.
4. Start your hike early.
5. Plan your hike for shade and water.
6. Know the danger signs for heat stroke.
7. Be prepared.

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