Earlier this evening our engine company was called to assist Phoenix PD Firebird with a mountain rescue at South Mountain Park. While flying over the park (which is a huge mountain preserve in southern Phoenix) Firebird noticed an individual waving their open cell phone and investedgated to find a hiker who was complaining of being "dehydrated" and out of water.

The hiker, who was under prepared and had insufficient water for a 4+ hour hike was also wearing a sweatshirt (that was soaked through with sweat) “for fitness” had made to within ¾ mile of the parking lot where his car was when he signaled the helicopter for help. Firebird was able to land and extricate him to the parking lot.

While the whole event is a huge example of what NOT to do, it does show that in an emergency a cell phone can be used to signal low flying aircraft in an emergency…

Still unsure why he didn’t use his cell phone to make a call for help… and yes, I asked.