Child Rescued from Phoenix Hiking Trail After Suffering Heat-Related Issues

A 10-year-old boy was airlifted to a hospital after experiencing heat-related issues during a hike on South Mountain in Phoenix, authorities said Tuesday. The incident prompted warnings from officials about the dangers of hiking in extreme heat.

A 10-year-old boy is in critical condition after being rescued from a Phoenix hiking trail amid scorching summer heat, prompting officials to issue warnings about the dangers of outdoor activities in extreme temperatures.

Crews were called around 2 p.m. local time on Tuesday to the Mormon Trailhead on South Mountain, a mountain range in south Phoenix. Authorities said that the boy was experiencing heat-related issues while hiking along the trail.

Child Rescued from Phoenix Hiking Trail After Suffering Heat-Related Issues

"Early reports suggest [the child] was out here with some relatives who may have been [visiting] from out of town, and they may have been hiking on the trail anywhere from sometime around 9:30 a.m.," Phoenix Fire Capt. Shaun DuBois told FOX 10 Phoenix.

Fire officials said that they found the boy about a mile up the trail, and he was airlifted down the mountain before being transported to the hospital. The child's identity and extent of injuries have not been released by law enforcement.

Child Rescued from Phoenix Hiking Trail After Suffering Heat-Related Issues

The heat-related incident comes as Arizona — and much of the United States — has been impacted by sweltering high heat levels. According to officials from the National Weather Service, Phoenix is experiencing a "severe weather alert" for high heat.

The high reached 113 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, which is 6 degrees above average. Portions of the U.S., including Arizona, are under heat warnings or advisories, as relentless, record-breaking temperatures continued to bake western and southern states.

Child Rescued from Phoenix Hiking Trail After Suffering Heat-Related Issues

Phoenix officials are urging both residents and visitors to be aware of the level of difficulty some trails on South Mountain present.

"Some of these trails on South Mountain are pretty difficult. They're pretty long, and if you're an inexperienced hiker potentially from out of town, you may not be aware of the level of difficulty or how difficult they are," DuBois said. ".

Child Rescued from Phoenix Hiking Trail After Suffering Heat-Related Issues

The child's rescue highlights the importance of taking precautions when engaging in outdoor activities during extreme heat. Officials recommend drinking plenty of water, wearing loose-fitting clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day.

If you experience any symptoms of heat-related illness, such as dizziness, nausea, or confusion, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Heat-related illnesses can be serious, and even life-threatening, if they are not treated promptly.