On Thursday, July 21, at 5:30 am, National Park Service (NPS) rangers received a call from hikers in distress in the area of Kapalaoa Cabin in the Haleakalā Crater. Rangers responded and made contact with three adults and two children suffering from various stages of hypothermia and dehydration. Rangers began treating the family, all Maui residents, and provided warm blankets, water, and food. One family member, a 40-year-old male, was unable to walk out of the crater and was carried three miles to the Haleakalā Visitor Center by NPS staff, where he was evaluated by waiting paramedics. All members of the family declined medical care.
“Thanks to a large team of hardworking first responders, tragedy was averted,” said Superintendent Natalie Gates. Chief Ranger Ari Wong added, “Visitors to our remote backcountry, whether they are locals or off-island tourists, need to be prepared for changing and challenging conditions. Don’t become complacent–you put yourselves, your loved ones, and our rangers at risk.”
Information on how to prepare for hiking in Haleakalā National Park is available on our website Plan Your Visit - Haleakalā National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Want to help the park inform visitors? Become a Trail Steward or sign up for the park’s upcoming Preventative Search and Rescue program at Volunteer - Haleakalā National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) .
Original source can be found here.
