Two elderly women nearly died after spending too much time in a hot tub in Wolfe County.
The Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team (WCSRT) responded Wednesday evening at approximately 8:40 to a report of two unresponsive women in their 80s at a cabin in a remote area of the county.
“After relaxing for a period of time, the group was getting ready to exit the hot tub, and this is the moment when things went sideways. Two of the elderly women were unable to get out of the tub because of pre-existing issues,” rescuers said in a social media post.
The two women then became overheated, as they both were suffering from hyperthermia and became unresponsive.
“A member of the group got in the hot tub to keep their heads above water while a fourth member of the group dialed 911 for help,” according to WCSRT.
The caretakers of the cabin along with WCSRT and the Wolfe County Sheriff’s Office responded. EMS was also contacted but was not immediately available.
Upon WCSRT’s arrival, the property’s caretakers had removed the two women from the hot tub.
One of the women, according to WCSRT, was “partially responsive, while the other was completely unresponsive and in critical condition.”
“A (WCSRT team) member (who is an EMT) immediately assessed both, and the more critical patient was taken to a shower, where cold water, along with ice were applied. Ice and cold compresses were also applied to the less critical patient, but ultimately, she was moved outside to be cooled by a water hose.”
Following a half hour of “cold-water immersion,” both women began to regain their faculties and were transported by EMS to a local hospital, according to WCSRT.
WCSRT released the following statement on hot tub safety:
Hot tubs offer a fantastic way to relax but always remember to limit soak times. The recommended maximum immersion time is between 15-30 minutes. Ensure you are capable of exiting the hot tub once you enter, especially if you have any sort of disability. Hyperthermia and Heatstroke can be fatal, and this story could have ended much differently without the quick thinking of all those involved with this rescue.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
