PHOENIX - Mountain rescues in the Valley aren't easy on firefighters. And they say hikers need to be aware.
“It really takes someone knowing their limitations before they go out to any of the mountains to hike, especially when the weather is like this,” said Phoenix Fire Captain Larry Subervi.
The rescues happen over and over and are most often due to the heat.
“One thing that’s consistent about Phoenix is every summer it’s going to be hot. And every summer there’s going to be people going up the mountain that probably shouldn't be up the mountain,” Subervi said.
Each time, it’s a massive undertaking for Phoenix firefighters—requiring 15 to 20 people, often a helicopter if it’s under 115 degrees, and/or a four-hour trip by foot. For example, rescuers often have to go between the top and bottom of Camelback Mountain with a basket stretcher.
“We have the same operation when it’s 40-50 degrees out as when it’s 115 degrees. They’re very labor intensive," he said.
Phoenix Fire gave 12 News an exclusive look at some of the stuff needed to do the job. Many of the rescuers hike to victims wearing 40-pound bags with everything they could possibly need.
The backpacks are packed with ropes, carabiners, and color-coated equipment equipment that allows first responders to to quickly decide which gear is needed. They're prepared to hike down steep cliffs, if necessary.
Often, rescuers have as many as four support and technical trucks, and a basket stretcher equipped with an ATV tire that can hold up to 500 pounds. The basket is carried up like a backpack and carried down by a team of six.
In the meantime, with excessive heat warnings expected throughout this week, officials say hikers need to be smart and know their limitations.
“If you’re going to go hiking, there’s a chance you may fall. Those we can live with. The ones that we really have trouble with are when somebody goes up unprepared," said Subervi.