‘Dehydrated and weak’ hiker, boyfriend found stranded in desert, California video shows

A helicopter rescued a couple found huddled in a dry creek bed near Joshua Tree National Park, a California video shows.

A hiker called 911 from Painted Canyon north of the Salton Sea on Sunday, June 9, for help, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

He reported his girlfriend was “dehydrated and weak,” deputies said.

A sheriff’s helicopter responded and hoisted the two hikers aboard, the video shows.

The video shows the helicopter lowering a paramedic to the couple. The crew hoists the man to the helicopter, then the woman in a rescue litter.

Due to the woman’s “severe condition,” a medical helicopter met rescuers and flew her to a hospital for treatment, deputies said. No update on her medical condition was available.

“Please remember as the temps increase, take more water than you think you will need, have a hiking plan, and tell two people where you are going,” sheriff’s officials advised.

The temperature in Joshua Tree hit a high of 100 degrees on June 9, according to timeanddate.com.

The Salton Sea is south of Joshua Tree National Park, which covers 794,000 acres and sees an average of 2.8 million visitors each year, according to National Geographic.

Beating the heat

When temperatures are extremely high, some people’s bodies can have trouble regulating temperature.

In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If heat exhaustion persists for too long, however, it can lead to heatstroke, the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. They also can have a fast and strong pulse, and they can become confused. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 right away if they have symptoms.

If people choose to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures, officials recommend the following tips:

• Carry and drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes.

• Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand.

• Carry a first-aid kit.

• Pack essentials only.

• Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.

• Spray yourself with water to cool down.

• Have a hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun.

• Have a whistle or signal for emergency use.

• Wear waterproof clothing.