Multiple hikers in need of medical attention rescued from Sandias

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Rescue crews had to help two hikers in separate areas of New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains Friday afternoon after assisting someone else Thursday.

All three hikers needed medical attention.

A KOB 4 crew was there Friday around 5 p.m. when rescue crews got a woman into an ambulance. They said she was hiking about a mile-and-a-half from the upper Sandia crest parking lot.

Crews said someone with the woman said she had “severe injuries.” They said 25 to 30 personnel were involved in helping her and using a device to roll her to safety.

Incident commander Tony Gaier, who works for the state Department of Public Safety, said they sometimes do see more people in trouble on holiday weekends like this one.

That rescue was the second of the day, according to Gaier.

Rescue crews said a hiker in another area of the Sandias also fell and needed help Friday afternoon. They said a female broke her arm. She was just a short walk from the Tree Springs Trailhead. An ambulance was there to take her to the hospital.

A day earlier a female had a cardiac issue in the Sandias, and there was even more of a sense of urgency after they first got to her, rescue crews said.

“I ended up getting the New Mexico State Police helicopter in to hoist the subject out,” Gaier said.

They do that if the situation may be life-threatening.

“Injuries are not abnormal, but the greater percentage is people get lost getting off the trail and not realizing how long it takes to get up. It gets dark, and they can’t see where they’re going anymore,” Gaier said.

They don’t want to have to get in and get anyone else, but they are prepared.

“Make sure you’re properly dressed. Have plenty of water. Plan on delays. Try to always hike with another person. That can help us greatly with communication. Keep it slow. Watch your footing. Keep hydrated,” Gaier said.