Dramatic Desert Helicopter Rescue: RivCo Hikers Airlifted To Hospital

MECCA, CA — As a heatwave settles over the Coachella Valley, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reminds hikers to know the dangers of hiking in extreme temperatures.

Shortly before 5:45 p.m. Sunday, a 911 caller pleaded for help after becoming severely dehydrated on the trail, according to officials. The sheriff's Aviation Unit Rescue9 helicopter headed to Mecca to the Painted Canyon Trail, assisting Cal Fire with the rescue of two hikers suffering extreme heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Due to the remote area, first responders were forced to airlift the pair out of danger, taking them in serious condition to a nearby hospital.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department pilots located the couple in distress, and medics dropped to the dry creek trail to find the man protecting his girlfriend, according to the video.

Medics first airlifted him, then assisted the woman who was suffering the effects of extreme dehydration.

"Rescue9 safely landed on Box Canyon Road, where the man was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital," Lt. Deirdre Vickers said.

"The woman was airlifted to the hospital. The extent of their injuries is unknown, and no other information about their condition was available," Vickers said.

According to the National Weather Service, Sunday's temperature exceeded 110 degrees, and this weekend will be similar.

This weekend, Palm Desert, Indio, Cathedral City, Palm Desert Country, La Quinta, Coachella and Mecca are under an Excessive Heat Warning through Saturday night at 8 p.m., according to National Weather Service meteorologist Alexander Tardy.

"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illness, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," Tardy said. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors."

If you work or spend time outside, take extra precautions and know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.

Related:

23-Year-Old Hiker Suffers Apparent Heat Exhaustion In Local Mountains

RivCo Firefighters Airlift Injured Hikers In Two Separate Incidents