PT Hike Heat Stroke 2016

The crew began hiking up the FH Trail began at approximately 1030 hours. At approximately 1125 hours, Apprentice John and Squad Leader Tom—who both had medical experience—were requested to head back down the FH Trail to tie-in with another crewmember who was struggling and being encouraged by Captain Sam.

During their descent, open flames from a fire that had just started below them began to grow. In a hurry to get out of harm’s way, John turned his ankle and needed to hold onto Tom’s line gear to continue progressing. Once in a safe spot, John collapsed, became unresponsive, and lost consciousness. A Cal Fire helicopter assigned to the fire diverted, picked up John, had him assessed by a Paramedic, and flew him directly to a medical center. Twenty-six hours later, after being diagnosed with heat stroke, John was moved to a Level 1 Trauma Center for further tests, treatment, and therapy. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Fitness, Heat Injury, Hand Crews, Training, Medevac, Medical Emergency, Medical or Exertion, Heat Related Illness