The PCSO Search and Rescue Posse conducted a helicopter rescue of three teenage hikers stranded on the Hieroglyphic Trail Sunday night. The hikers lacked a light source and could not safely continue in the dark.
The PCSO Search and Rescue Posse was dispatched at 7:07 p.m. on Nov. 24. Teams located the teens in a hazardous area. Conditions made it unsafe to hike out on foot.
Rescuers provided the hikers with headlamps and warm jackets. A helicopter was then deployed to hoist the hikers and team members to safety.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office used the incident to remind hikers about trail preparedness. Officials recommend carrying essential items for unexpected situations.
Hikers should bring a light source with spare batteries. A portable phone charger is also important. Extra clothing layers help when temperatures drop after sunset.
Water, snacks, and basic first-aid items belong in every pack. An emergency blanket and whistle can prove lifesaving in emergencies. Downloading offline maps or carrying reliable navigation tools is also advised.
Earlier sunsets and colder temperatures increase trail hazards this time of year. The PCSO Search and Rescue Posse urges all hikers to prepare properly before heading out.
