Anza-Borrego Rescue Credited with Saving Hiker's Life Thursday Night

Thursday's hotter temperatures in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park led to a hiker being rescued and airlifted for treatment for severe dehydration Thursday night.

The hiker is recuperating today, authorities said.

A man and his friend were hiking off Rockhouse Trail, an extremely remote area, when the friend became incoherent. The man called his wife by satellite phone and she called 911 at about 10 p.m., according to a news release from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Twenty-seven minutes after the woman called 911, deputies found the hikers and began administering medical aid. CalFire arrived and took over medical care. The man was then flown to a local hospital via air ambulance.

Sheriff's deputies from Ranchita substation and the Borrego office, as well as CalFire crews, are credited in the news release with possibly saving the man's life. The ASTREA helicopter was reported to have been too far away to respond and the park staff also was unable to assist at the time, according to the release. The Sheriff's Search and Rescue unit was placed on standby.

Conditions in the park Thursday were very dry, with slight winds and temperatures up to 95 degrees, according to the news release.

The Sheriff's Department reports that the man who made the call was checked for any medical issues and was able to leave the area in good condition in his own vehicle.

Sgt. Tom Evans of the Ranchita substation cautions those who are considering hiking to talk with park rangers or deputies before venturing on to the trails.

Borrego Springs is the scene of six or more rescues of hikers every year who are ill-prepared for desert conditions, according to the news release. The Sheriff's Department suggests people get information from the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park website  or call the Anza-Borrego State Park Ranger Station at 760-767-5311.

A volunteer at the ranger station Friday said rangers caution people to carry a gallon of water a day, depending on how long they'll be out on the trail. Hikers cannot rely on finding any water in streambeds, and any water found may not be safe to drink if animals have been in it, she said.