Sedona AZ (June 3, 2013) – Two Scottsdale, Arizona hikers, a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old, were rescued late Saturday evening after finding themselves stranded in darkness without flashlights or other light sources in an area of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona.
On June 1, at 8:43 p.m., the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Sedona Fire Department (SFD). According to a SFD dispatcher, a 911 emergency call had been received from one of two hikers stranded in the West Fork Canyon in extremely dark conditions in the absence of a visible moon.
The Sedona Fire Emergency Dispatch is equipped with a 911 Enhanced Emergency call system, a system that provided the hikers latitude and longitude determined by the cell phone’s location, within approximately 100 feet.
Furnished with the precise location of the two men, a team comprised of a Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy, a Search and Rescue coordinator, and a Search and Rescue volunteer responded to the West Fork Trailhead and hiked approximately two miles to the victims’ location. Rescuers reached the men at about 11:10 p.m. and provided each with a flashlight. The rescuers then accompanied the hikers back to the trailhead.
Sedona Fire District
The men and women of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind hikers and hunters to leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted person, and be prepared for the unexpected night out in the event of an accident or other emergency. Always carry a fully charged cell phone, preferably one with GPS and satellite capability, to be used if lost or injured. Remember that cell phone service is not always reliable when hiking or climbing in the desert or mountainous areas.
Carry these 10 Essentials:
- extra water
- food
- warm clothing
- navigation equipment
- a headlamp or flashlight
- a first aid kit
- shelter material
- a fire starting kit
- a pocket knife
- signaling equipment like a signal mirror and whistle.
These can be important tools to help you stay safe in the outdoors and to aid searchers in locating you. During the summer months extreme caution with fire is urged in order to prevent a wildfire. Be aware of county open fire restrictions!
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