Dehydrated dad hiking with 11-year-old daughter calls for help, Washington cops say

A hiker with dehydration and his 11-year-old daughter required a helicopter rescue, Washington officials reported.

The 36-year-old Olympia man and his daughter were hiking to Tuck Lake on Friday, July 19, when he used his Garmin InTouch to notify authorities he needed help , the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 21 news release.

He was suffering from cramps and unable to continue, rescuers said.

Searchers hiked to their location after dark, where they found the man was severely dehydrated and possibly suffering from rhabdomyolysis, rescuers said.

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the muscles begin to dissolve, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

A U.S. Navy helicopter hoisted the man and his daughter and carried them to the hospital, rescuers said.

The two were well-equipped for their hike, which began around noon through the hottest part of the day, rescuers said.

“Hot summer weather, though, makes hazardous hiking conditions for even experienced and prepared folks,” the sheriff’s office said.

Rescuers advise hiking in the early-morning and evening hours to avoid the heat.

Tuck Lake is about a 60-mile drive east from Seattle.

Beating the heat

When temperatures are extremely high, some people’s bodies can have trouble regulating temperature.

In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If heat exhaustion persists for too long, however, it can lead to heatstroke , the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. They also can have a fast and strong pulse, and they can become confused. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 right away if they have symptoms.

If people choose to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures , officials recommend the following tips:

• Carry and drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes.

• Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand.

• Carry a first-aid kit.

• Pack essentials only.

• Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.

• Spray yourself with water to cool down.

• Have a hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun.

• Have a whistle or signal for emergency use.

• Wear waterproof clothing if needed.

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