Diamond Head hiker rescued after suffering medical emergency

Apr. 24—Honolulu firefighters responded this morning for the third day in a row to hikers in need of medical help at the Diamond Head Crater Trail in Honolulu.

Honolulu Fire Department officials received a 911 call at 9:12 a.m. today for a woman in her 50s who experienced an undisclosed medical emergency while hiking and was unable to descend on her own.

Five units with 16 personnel responded, with the first arriving four minutes after the call. Firefighters hiked up to the woman at 9:45 a.m., and provided basic life support, officials said.

HFD's Air 1 helicopter transported the woman to a landing zone, where care was transferred to Emergency Medical Services at 9:48 a.m.

On Sunday afternoon, HFD personnel also rescued a woman in her 60s who reported a medical emergency at the top of Diamond Head Crater Trail. On Saturday morning, firefighters rescued a woman in her 60s who had become unresponsive after lying down near the top of the staircase in the bunker on the trail.

HFD did not disclose the nature of the medical emergencies for any of the women.

Also on Sunday, a man in his 60s died after suffering a medical emergency and falling 40 feet while hiking Lanikai Pillbox Trail in Kailua.

HFD recommends that hikers stay hydrated, know their physical abilities and limitations, and hike trails that can be enjoyed safely.