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A hiker found himself in a perilous situation near the summit of Lookout Mountain Preserve in north Phoenix, Arizona, after being attacked by a swarm of bees. Stung more than 100 times, he was left in critical condition and unable to make his way down the trail unaided, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
The alarming incident occurred on a Saturday morning, with the hiker’s identity not immediately released. Struggling with the aftermath of the numerous stings, the man was rendered incapable of continuing his descent from the mountain.
In response to the emergency, a helicopter was deployed to airlift the severely stung hiker off the mountain. Once safely transported to the trailhead, he was handed over to an ambulance crew for further medical treatment, as reported by fire officials.
The massive number of stings left the man “unable to continue his descent,” the department said.
A helicopter hoisted the injured hiker off the mountain and transferred him to an ambulance waiting at the trailhead, fire officials said. (Phoenix Fire Department)
Rescue teams from Phoenix and Glendale launched an operation to hoist the hiker from the mountain via helicopter.
The hiker was transferred to an ambulance waiting at the trailhead and rushed to a hospital in critical condition. No further details about the man’s injuries or his current condition were immediately provided.
The man was transferred to an ambulance and rushed to a hospital in critical condition, officials said. (Phoenix Fire Department)
The fire department issued a bee safety reminder as warmer weather brings out bees.
“Avoid disturbing hives, skip scented products when outdoors, wear light-colored clothing, and if you encounter a swarm – run away quickly and protect your head and face,” fire officials said.
Crews from Phoenix and Glendale responded to help the man after the massive number of bee stings prevented him from being able to descend the mountain on his own, officials said. (Phoenix Fire Department)
Dr. Gary Kirkilas, a pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, told AZ Family that in most non-allergy cases it can take more than 500 or even 1,000 bee stings before it becomes fatal.
“Those are in particular people who do not have an allergic reaction,” he said. “For people who do have an allergic reaction, it can be only a couple stings where it puts them over the edge.”
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