A trip to a remote cabin in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky turned perilous when two women in their 80s became trapped in a hot tub and developed hyperthermia. Local rescuers reported that the incident occurred on Wednesday night, when the women unintentionally spent an extended period in the heated water.
According to officials from Wolfe County, the women were unable to exit the hot tub due to pre-existing health issues. As their condition worsened, they became overheated and unresponsive. A third woman entered the hot tub to support their heads above water while a fourth individual called for emergency assistance.
By the time the rescue team arrived, the cabin’s caretakers had managed to get the two women out of the hot tub. One woman displayed partial responsiveness, while the other was fully unresponsive and in critical condition. An emergency medical technician from the rescue team quickly moved the critical patient to a shower, applying cold water and ice to help lower her body temperature.
Rescue Operations and Recovery
The team also treated the less critical patient with ice and cold compresses before moving her outdoors, where cold water from a hose was used for further cooling. After approximately 20 to 30 minutes of cold water immersion, both women began to show signs of recovery and were subsequently transported to a hospital for additional care.
As of now, further details regarding their current conditions have not been disclosed, and Wolfe County Search and Rescue could not be reached for comment. Notably, a member of the rescue team confirmed that alcohol consumption was not a contributing factor in the incident.
The Wolfe County Search and Rescue team, known for its expertise in locating missing persons and conducting high-angle rescues, stated that this was the first call of its kind they had received. The team had previously been deployed for various emergencies, including swift water rescues after major flooding incidents.
Safety Reminders for Hot Tub Users
In light of this incident, the rescue team issued a reminder about the importance of monitoring time spent in hot tubs. The recommended maximum immersion time is between 15 to 30 minutes. They stressed the need for individuals to ensure they can exit the hot tub safely, particularly if they have any mobility impairments.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has established guidelines to mitigate heat-related injuries associated with hot tubs. Since 1987, the commission has set temperature controls to ensure that spa water does not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It is crucial to recognize that heat-related injuries typically occur at temperatures above this threshold.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with prolonged exposure to hot water and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when using hot tubs.
