Tips for avoiding medical emergencies while hiking in the heat

CANYON, Texas (KVII) — The death of a 56-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency while hiking at Palo Duro Canyon State Park last week is being investigated. Multiple agencies responded to the call according to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

The number of rescues for humans and pets on the trails is up this summer. Hiking in triple digits by yourself puts you and others at risk.

“If you’re getting close to halfway through your water supply it's time to turn around,” said Joseph Allen, park superintendent. “You’re going to drink more water on your way back than you did on your way out.”

It’s recommended to have a gallon of water per person per hike. Calls for help from folks who suffer heat stroke are up.

If you're hiking and the temperature is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit you’re at a higher risk for a life-threatening condition and you put rescue teams at risk too.

“They’re out in the heat or in the dark or in those same conditions and usually it happens in multitudes,” said Allen. “We usually don’t have one rescue there’s usually more than that especially when it comes to heat rescues.”

In 2021, Palo Duro Canyon State Park drew in 463,000 visitors. Park officials believe already they’re on track to eclipse that mark which is why new warning signs have been posted at the beginning of trails alerting hikers of potential risks.

“We do have a lot less traffic on the trails so the chances of somebody stumbling by and realizing that you need assistance is a lot lower than after dark,” said Allen. Having a way to get somebodies attention if you need some help is always a good idea.”

Despite modern technology, if you're hiking alone it’s easier to get lost. Avid hikers tell ABC 7 News that it’s best to stop and rest when you start to feel tired and don’t wait till you are exhausted.

“It gets hot down here, especially in the summer, the ground gets hot,” said Sarah Wennersten, hiker. “When you get started early in the morning right when the sun comes up that means you get done earlier and you get done when it's cooler.”

“You want to make sure that you can hike for a couple of miles,” said Janet Randolph. “You’re not inside, it's outdoors, it’s up and it's down. There’s lots of hills so it’s important to know what you can do and take lots of breaks along the way.”

The park does have a volunteer group who roams the trails looking for anyone who is lost or needs assistance but there are more than 50 miles of open trails for hiking, biking and equestrian.