The Texas Department of Public Safety has released a dramatic video documenting the rescue of a family of stranded hikers, including a three-month-old baby, in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Aerial video posted on the DPS Facebook page appears to show a couple lying on the side of the road with a baby in their arms while a helicopter circles above.
The rescue occurred at about 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 20 after a 23-year-old man and woman became dehydrated and suffered heat stroke due to high temperatures, according to a DPS news release. The three had begun the hike in the morning and ran out of water after nine miles.
After Guadalupe Mountains National Park rangers alerted DPS, a plane was dispatched to locate the family by air.
After the hikers were found, an additional helicopter was deployed and a DPS officer performed a medical evaluation on the couple and the toddler.
All three were lifted into the helicopter and transported down the mountain for further medical care, DPS said.
DPS did not provide an update on the hikers’ condition.
Safety tips for hiking
Here are some tips for hikers from the National Park Service:
- Know your limits: Do not overestimate your abilities and take a partner with you for additional safety.
- Plan your hike: Create an itinerary detailing your hiking destinations, your contact details, your planned arrival and return times, and the participants.
- Be prepared for the weather: Check the weather before you set out on your hike.
- Know what to bring: Bring enough water and food to last the entire hike. Hiking can quickly drain your energy.
