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Search and Rescue responded to a distressed hiker suffering from heat exhaustion in the Little White Mountain area on Sunday.
At approximately 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) received a call from BC Ambulance that a group of four hikers ventured up to the top of Little White mountain, and that one of the hikers was suffering from heat exhaustion.
The young male managed to walk partway down the mountain, but eventually the hikers had to call for help.
A helicopter from Penticton and District Search and Rescue was sent in to retrieve the man, while an ambulance was waiting on Highway 33. Several members of Penticton Search and Rescue’s helicopter team remained with the other hikers while the man was brought to ambulance and transported to hospital.
Two females and one other male in their 20s were eventually picked up by the helicopter, bringing them to the KVR McColloch Lake parking lot.
In light of this incident, KelownaNow got some tips from COSAR Vice President Duane Tresnich on the importance of being prepared while hiking, especially when it’s well over 30 degrees Celsius outside.
“As long as people are prepared and have enough water,” said Tresnich. “A lot of people just grab their water bottle.”
According to Tresnich, hikers need at least a litre of water every hour. Even before you start hiking, it’s a good idea to drink a litre of water and it’s important to have enough water for the way down as well.
If you’re exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion, find shade immediately and start slowly sipping water.
“If you just start gulping it down, you’ll start throwing it back up,” added Tresnich.
It’s also best to drink room temperature water, especially on really hot days, as really cold water can negatively affect your digestive system. Hikers might also find it helpful to remove or loosen tight clothing.
If members of your group are showing signs of heat exhaustion, you can put them in a spread eagle position and start fanning them or cooling them down with water.
Photo Credit:Penticton and District Search and Rescue Facebook.
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