U.S. Park Police airlifted a man showing signs of heat exhaustion on a trail at the C&O Canal National Historical Park on Saturday, a Montgomery County official said.
Park Police and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a person suffering a medical emergency around 1:15 p.m. on part A of the Billy Goat Trail, fire department spokesman Pete Piringer posted on X.
A Park Police helicopter airlifted the hiker to a hospital for treatment.
The fire department’s Swift Water Rescue team said the medical emergency was heat-related in a post on Instagram. Mr. Piringer said in his post the temperature was around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The rescued hiker, Mike Scott, told WJLA-TV that he was diagnosed with heat exhaustion at the hospital.
Mr. Scott said he was with a group and “lost sight of them after a wrong turn was made, after the biggest scramble on the hike.”
“I think Gatorade is better for this time of year and activity,” he added.
More than 400 rescues and emergency calls occur each year on the trail, according to the park’s website. Part A is 1.75 miles long and is listed as being “technical and strenuous.”
Signs along the trail recommend visitors avoid hiking from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to the humidity and carry at least two liters of water and salty snacks. The park website also recommends sunscreen and a hat.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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