First Responders Rescue Hiker, Swimmers

Kaua‘i Fire Department responded to two separate rescue incidents, Tuesday, July 7, one in Kōke‘e and the other in Po‘ipū.

KFD responded to the first rescue at approximately 3 p.m. According to a preliminary report, firefighters were notified of a 62-year-old male visitor suffering from possible dehydration and heat stroke on the Kukui Trail in Kōke‘e at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Firefighters from the Waimea fire station, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, the on-duty Battalion Chief, and personnel with American Medical Response responded to the incident.

Because of the terrain, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 was activated and arrived in Kōke‘e at 3:20 p.m. Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 located the hiker 1.5 miles into the Kukui Trail, secured him via short-haul and air rescue vest, and transported the visitor to awaiting first responders and AMR personnel to a landing zone near the trailhead.

AMR personnel treated the hiker and transported him to a local hospital.

The scene was cleared at 4 p.m.

The second incident occurred in Po‘ipū in waters off Sheraton Beach.

Firefighters with the Kōloa fire station, Ocean Safety Bureau personnel with the South Roving Ski Patrol, the on-duty Battalion Chief, and AMR personnel responded to the incident.

According to a preliminary report, at approximately 5:15 p.m., firefighters with the Kōloa fire were dispatched to a surf rescue involving three individuals.

Firefighters with Truck 4 and Ladder 4 arrived on the scene at 5:20 p.m. and discovered that OSB personnel with the South Roving Ski Patrol rescued a female visitor. Two other swimmers were in distress, approximately 100 yards in waters off the western end of the beach. OSB personnel rescued one swimmer, while Truck 4 personnel – using a rescue board and fins – rescued another swimmer.

All swimmers declined medical support from AMR personnel on the scene.

The scene was cleared at 5:40 p.m.