Abstract
Introduction
Heat-related hiking emergencies in Grand Canyon National Park occur frequently and place great demand on resources. The Preventive Search and Rescue Team (PSAR) perform approximately 750 hiker assists and 300 search and rescue (SAR) missions annually.
Objectives
This study examines hiker assist frequencies in correlation with maximum daytime temperatures in Grand Canyon National Park, with the goal of gathering information to improve the PSAR Team’s strategy: to better utilize limited resources and provide a safer and more enjoyable National Park experience.
Methods
Data was collected for this prospective study by PSAR rangers in 2011 and 2012 for all hikers who required assistance while hiking in Grand Canyon National Park. Inclusion criteria were created for heat-related hiker assists. The number of preventive actions, heat-related and non-heat-related hiker assists was compared to average maximum daytime temperatures in Grand Canyon.
Results
Heat-related hiker assists increased by 61.5% when maximum daytime temperatures were ≥ 95°F. No correlation was found between non-heat-related hiker assists and temperature. Preventive actions remained consistent across all temperature ranges.
Conclusions
The incidence of heat-related hiker assists is significantly higher at or above a temperature threshold of 95°F, identifying a critical inflection point for temperature-related hiker safety. High temperatures increase risk for heat-related illness or potential death. Individuals hiking in Grand Canyon National Park may therefore benefit from increased caution while hiking in temperatures at or exceeding 95°F. Additionally, Preventive Search and Rescue rangers may benefit from heightened awareness, preparedness, and staffing on days exceeding this temperature threshold achieving higher safety standards for personnel.