Injured hiker hospitalized after rescue from Dripping Springs Trail
LAS CRUCES – The Las Cruces Fire Department rescued an injured hiker from an Organ Mountain trail on Monday.
According to a news release, a woman in her 30s became injured while hiking near the Dripping Springs Natural Area Visitor’s Center on June 5. LCFD’s Technical Rescue Team worked with first responders and discovered the woman around 5 p.m.
The release said the woman was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Hiking safety advice
LCFD suggests following these and other safety tips:
Know your capabilities and the terrain for which you will be hiking.
Plan your trek carefully and consider weather reports, the expected duration of your hike, and other conditions which might arise during your adventure.
Always hike or backpack with others.
Keep groups together unless it’s necessary to separate.
Follow all signage and refrain from straying from established trails.
Carry a fully charged cellular or satellite phone in case of an emergency. Avoid depleting a cell phone’s battery by overusing the camera function.
Carry a flashlight and extra batteries.
Tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you expect to return. If you have yet to return by the designated time, they should know to contact authorities.
Take plenty of water and food to sustain you during the trek.
Remember, warm daytime temperatures and relatively high elevations expend energy quickly.
Wear proper attire for the trek. It’s best to dress in layers that can be easily removed – or added – depending on conditions.
Wear a hat or proper head covering.
Wear boots or hiking shoes that are comfortable and suitable for the terrain to be covered.
Be aware of changing weather conditions and the potential for flash floods from rain upstream from your location.
Beware of more active snakes during warmer weather and as daytime temperatures rise. Snakebite victims should seek help immediately.
Beware of wild animals known to frequent the Organ Mountains and other nearby areas: bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, deer and African oryx. Never approach or attempt to handle a wild animal.
If hiking with a dog, consider its needs and safety requirements for the trek. Dispose of waste properly, and use the “Pack it In, Pack it Out” motto to help keep wild areas pristine.
Other area rescues:
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Injured hiker hospitalized after rescue from Dripping Springs Trail
