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IVINS, Washington County — A woman was found dead and two others were treated for heat exhaustion at a busy state park in southwest Utah over the weekend, authorities say.
About 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Washington County sheriff's deputies, Santa Clara-Ivins firefighters and police, and Gold Cross paramedics responded to a report of two people suffering from heat-related illness at Snow Canyon State Park.
Those hikers, whose names and ages were not released, were "swiftly transported" to a nearby hospital, Santa Clara-Ivins police said in a statement. Police did not immediately release the conditions of the two people.
While treating the patients, the team of first responders was alerted by park visitors that there was an unconscious person not far from the first two hikers. The team located the person, a 30-year-old woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police didn't say if the woman's death was also caused by heat-related illness, but they said the emergency response is a reminder of the dangers that exist when temperatures rise into extreme heat. An excessive heat warning was in effect on Saturday and temperatures exceeded 110 degrees in the region.
The incident was also one of a few heat-related emergency responses in Utah amid a "heat dome" that set up over the state last week. A 52-year-old man and his 23-year-old daughter visiting from Green Bay, Wisconsin were found dead near the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park on Friday after apparently getting lost and running out of water while hiking in the heat, park officials said.
Utah County sheriff's search and rescue teams also responded to the hot pots in Spanish Fork Canyon on Thursday after a teen reported that she was suffering from heat exhaustion.
The agencies say that having extra water is important when outdoors during the summer, especially during excessive heat. They say hikers should watch for signs like dizziness or excessive fatigue, which are symptoms of dehydration.
"Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke," Santa Clara-Ivins police said. "Remember, your body may still need water even if you don't feel thirsty."
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses
Heat exhaustion
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Cool, pale or clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
Heat stroke
- Headache or confusion
- Possible loss of consciousness
- Body temperature over 103 degrees
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, strong pulse
The National Weather Service notes that heat stroke is a medical emergency. It advises people should call 911 when a victim is exhibiting symptoms. The person experiencing possible heat stroke should also be moved to "a cooler environment" and cooled down as soon as possible.
Zion National Park officials offered other safety tips after a spike in heat-related emergency calls during a similar heat wave in 2021. They said hikers should also bring salty snacks and consider saving longer hikes for the morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler and there's little to no sun exposure.
If out in the middle of the day, officials recommend that hikers wear hats, sunglasses and lightweight clothing — and apply sunscreen often. They add that hikers could also take frequent breaks in shade when possible.
