Maunaloa Information Update for April 22nd, 2021

Hiker rescued from Maunaloa Summit Trail in Ka'ohe Mauka, Hāmākua Thursday evening (April 22nd).

Published by: HIRSC - Hawaii Island (Holualoa) Team

info@hiradioscannercommunity.com

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with U.S. Army Garrison Fire Department at Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA Fire) responded to a report of a medical emergency and technical rescue incident on Maunaloa Summit Trail in Kaohe Mauka, Hāmākua Thursday evening (April 22nd).

The initial call came in at 6:09 pm Thursday evening and HFD Crews from the Haihai and Waiakea (Rescue Company 2) Fire Stations along with PTA Fire responded to the scene located on the Maunaloa Summit Trail approximately 3 miles above the Maunaloa Observatory in Kaohe Mauka, Hāmākua.

Upon the arrival of emergency crews, an emergency call came in from a hiker (described as a female in her 50s) on the Maunaloa Summit Trail and reported to be exhausted and complaint of foot pain. The female hiker was unable to continue back down to the trailhead and needed assistance back down.

Once emergency crews arrived at the scene, PTA Fire and HFD Rescue Personnel slowly made their way up on foot on the Maunaloa Summit Trail to rendezvous with the hiker. Once emergency crews arrived at the hiker's location, they began a medical assessment and later assisted the hiker back down to the trailhead. Due to the high elevation, cold conditions, and risk of altitude sickness, all personnel involved in the rescue slowly made their descent down the trail back to the trailhead at Maunaloa Observatory Road.

Once at the trailhead, HFD Medic conducted another medical assessment of the hiker and also the personnel involved for possible altitude sickness.

No further details on the hiker were disclosed following arrival back at the trailhead.

It's unknown at this time if altitude sickness was a factor in this incident.