Date of Event:  5/14/2022

Canyon Involved:  Angel Slot

Region:  North Wash, UT

Country:  USA

Submitted by:  Christian Felger

Source:  First-Hand Account

Injury:  Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke

Cause:  Illness, Weather, Exposure

Description of Event:  We got a late start in the morning taking our time at camp and then driving about an hour to Hanksville. By the time we got to Angel Point TH, it was about Noon. We began hiking down to the first rappel and found another group at the first rappel. Right when we got there, one of their members smashed their finger while going over the ledge on that first awkward overhanging rappel. Everyone in my group learned their first lesson – watch where you put your fingers. The other members of their group had no idea what to do and the member on rappel was yelling out in pain and was unable to free their hand. I walked over and was able to relieve the tension on the hand by lifting up the rope.
After this experience, we got started. The canyon was great and we experienced no issues in the canyon. However, due to our late start, it was now around 2:30 pm and was very hot. We began the exit after hydrating and eating around 3 pm. During the exit, one of the members of our group had an existing medical condition that became exacerbated by the heat of the day. The first issues were extreme cramping, and then quickly progressed to full loss of controlled mobility in both legs. They could not control their legs. The steep terrain became an issue as we began taking turns assisting them, sometimes requiring the entire team to get them up a hill. Because we were making our way to the canyon rim there was no shade and this only exacerbated the condition further. This caused more dehydration followed by brain fog, migraine, more extreme cramping, and nausea and vomiting. Because of the heat and slowed pace/extra work, we began running low on fluids. We hunkered down by a Boulder and sent 2 back to the TH to get more water, Gatorade, and food. 3 of us stayed to provide any assistance we could to the affected member. We were able to provide some shade with a shirt and even had a small electric fan to help cool them down. We used a lot of our water soaking fabric and putting it on the affected individual so we were grateful we had more on the way.
We also used 2 cold compresses we had in first aid kits. At this point, it had been 4 hours since we began the exit and were only just at the rim of the canyon. Hours before I was wondering if we would be able to get the affected person back to the car by ourselves but as they were still very coherent they were very adamant that we don’t call for help and that they would be able to make it. I kept the thought in the back of my head, but I didn’t send an SOS until we had worked for 4 hours to move about 400 feet. I sat there providing shade with my finger next to the SOS button until I heard “is it getting worse?” …..”yes”. The person affected was unable to hold down the liquid, was having issues swallowing, and their whole body had sporadic cramping. SOS was sent at 6:54 pm. We were only about 1 mile away from the TH, but the medical condition had worsened and we were facing heat exhaustion, and dehydration especially now as they were unable to hold down fluids without vomiting. After we got more Gatorade and water, the affected member was able to take some sips but complained about being nauseous and we were worried he would throw up more and would get worse.
We lied about asking for rescue because the affected member was upset and insisted that he could walk out, but as he was unable to walk at all, we started with a fireman carry. Because our task became more difficult we had to take many breaks and scout out less steep paths. We made it about 100 feet with a fireman carry. We then built a makeshift stretcher out of 2 backpacks and rope. Even with 5 individuals lifting, it was very difficult moving the 200 lb individual much further. We probably made it about another 300 feet. We took another break to do another route scouting trip, and when coming back we saw headlamp lights. SAR had arrived and they informed us that a helicopter was in the area and would be there at any moment. It was about 9:30 pm at this point. Thankfully because we had gotten on the rim of the canyon it was much easier for SAR and life flight to locate us and land nearby. SAR administered an IV bag. The affected person who was not very conscious or coherent at this point argued about going to the hospital because the medical condition wouldn’t be treated in a hospital, it was a flare-up that just required fluids and lots of rest. The affected member was able to convince the pilot to take them to the trailhead and reassess the situation. Their partner flew with them and the rest of the group finished the hike out with SAR. After another 1/2 bag of IV, all vitals were stable and after a call from life flight to a doctor, they were cleared to be released. SAR went home, and we went back to camp all grateful that everyone was okay. The rest of us definitely dealt with some heat exhaustion and dehydration but were fine.
All finished and back to the car around 11 pm. 

Analysis:  This is one of those situations where it wasn’t cut and dry about what to do because of the pre-existing medical condition but I have a few thoughts.
1) I wish I had researched more about the pre-existing condition beforehand so I could have taken more preventative steps and cautions such as getting an early start or perhaps choosing a different canyon with an easier exit.
2) Don’t underestimate the heat and the toll it can take.
3) Get serious about the amount of water you carry. There is a fine line because too much can become exhausting, however, emergencies happen and you should be prepared if necessary.
4) Always carry an emergency communication device with GPS.
5) Work as a team. Everyone in the group played a significant role in this and did an awesome job.
6) Realize that shit happens. Be prepared, and know how to respond.
7) Don’t get a late start.