A trip to a remote cabin in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky nearly turned fatal on March 15, 2024, when two women, both in their 80s, became trapped in a hot tub and developed hyperthermia. Local rescuers reported that the prolonged soak in the heated water was unintentional and led to serious health complications.
According to the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team, the two women were unable to exit the hot tub due to pre-existing health issues. As they became unresponsive, a third woman entered the tub to keep their heads above water, while a fourth woman called 911 for assistance. By the time rescuers arrived, cabin caretakers had already removed the women from the tub.
One of the women was partially responsive, but the other had lost consciousness and was in critical condition. An emergency medical technician on the rescue team acted quickly, moving the critical patient to a shower where cold water and ice were applied. The team also treated the other woman with ice and cold compresses before transferring her outdoors for additional cooling with a hose.
After 20 to 30 minutes of cold water immersion, both women began to show signs of recovery. They were subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Information regarding their current conditions remains unavailable. The Wolfe County Search and Rescue team confirmed that alcohol was not a contributing factor in this incident.
Rescue Team’s Unique Challenge
The Wolfe County Search and Rescue team is well-versed in various emergency situations, including locating missing persons and conducting high-angle rope rescues. This incident marked a unique challenge for the volunteer team, which had never received a call of this nature before. The team was also deployed in the Kentucky River area following significant flooding incidents.
In response to this event, the rescue team issued a reminder to the public regarding hot tub safety. They stated that the recommended maximum immersion time is between 15 to 30 minutes and emphasized the importance of being able to exit the hot tub independently, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has long recognized the risks associated with hot tubs. In 1987, they helped establish guidelines to ensure that spa water temperatures do not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as heat-related injuries tend to occur at higher temperatures. The agency reported that extremely hot water, around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, can significantly increase the risk of overheating.
As this incident highlights, awareness and precautions are critical when using hot tubs, especially for vulnerable individuals. The Wolfe County Search and Rescue team encourages everyone to prioritize safety to avoid similar emergencies in the future.
