DANGER—A rescue worker treats a woman who succumbed to the heat while hiking at Malibu Creek State Park June 23. Photos courtesy Los Angeles County Sheriff MSAR
The Malibu Search and Rescue Team reports that the hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sun., June 23 constituted the busiest four-hour period in the organization’s history with four, back-to-back rescues undertaken in the hot hills and canyons from Malibu north to Ahmanson Ranch.
In all, five people had to be rescued.
In the first incident, MSAR personnel were called to assist an adult female hiker suffering from heat exhaustion at the “Mash” TV site in Malibu Creek State Park. The woman was given fluids, cooled down and taken out of the park.
She had come from the Midwest and had always wanted to see the famous television filming grounds, MSAR team leader Dave Katz told The Acorn, but had underestimated the length of her hike and the amount of water needed to complete the hours-long round trip in temperatures that soared into the 90s.
“That’s just kind of the common theme,” Katz said. “These are long trail hikes with not enough water. It’s amazing just how unprepared (hikers) can be.”
A male hiker also in distress.
Later, a 19-year-old man became injured while cliff jumping at the Rock Pool at the other end of Malibu Creek State Park. He had jumped off some rocks and hits his head. He received treatment by paramedics.
After rescuers left the park they were immediately called back to assist two male hikers on their way to Century Lake suffering from heat exhaustion.
And just as the search and rescue personnel were ending their shift they were alerted to yet another incident in the Ahmanson Ranch open space where a mountain biker had been injured.
Emergency responders from Los Angeles County Fire Department and California State Parks joined MSAR in the four rescues.
Even though several of the rescued hikers said they thought they were pre-prepared, they were not. MSAR issued this heads-up as the area slogs its way through the early summer heat wave.
“We caution everyone that it’s extremely difficult for the typical hiker to prepare to hike in such high temps,” the team said in a statement.
“Many people we encountered had not even brought water with them. If you feel the need to hike in this weather, start very early in the morning, limit your hike to a couple hours, bring lots of water and dress light, wearing a hat and sunscreen.”
Founded in 1977, the Malibu Search and Rescue Team is a volunteer organization comprising Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputies and a few select civilian volunteer specialists and incident support personnel.
Katz is a reserve deputy who’s been with MSAR for 34 years.
Temperatures are expected to hit the 90s again this weekend and more difficulty both on and off the trail is expected.
“Hot days can be dangerous for anyone, so it’s crucial to stay cool and hydrated,” said Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer
“Never leave children, the elderly, or pets alone in hot homes, places, or vehicles. Make sure to check on elderly or unwell neighbors and relatives regularly,” Davis said.
Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of several free Los Angeles County cooling centers open to the public. For more information, go to ready. lacounty.gov/heat.