Anthony Yates
A group of women in their 80s was enjoying a stay in a remote cabin in Wolfe County last week. However, two people required urgent assistance from emergency services after getting stuck in a hot tub.
Videos by Rare
The Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team (WCSART) posted a news release about the incident, which occurred on Wednesday at around 8:40 PM. The group decided to take an evening dip in the hot tub in their cabin. However, owing to pre-existing issues, two of the women were unable to get out.
Two Women Suffered From Hypothermia
WCSART explains that the two women who were stuck in the hot tub overheated and suffered from hypothermia. They both became unresponsive during the incident, but the quick thinking of others in the group may have saved their lives. One got back into the hot tub and held their friend’s heads above the water. Another dialed 911.
The news release explains that cabin caretakers arrived alongside WCSART. Officers with the Wolfe County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Authorities Treated The Women With Cold Water At The Scene
The cabin caretakers had already gotten the two women out of the water when WCSART arrived. One was “partially responsive,” but the other was unresponsive and in a critical condition. The news release reveals that one rescue team member is an EMT. They transported the woman in critical condition to a shower, where they cooled her with ice packs and cold water.
Rescuers reportedly moved the other woman outside, where authorities cooled her off with a hose. The news release explains that emergency services transported both women to a local hospital after “20-30 minutes of cold-water immersion.”
The Search And Rescue Team Recommends Hot Tub Users Limit Soak Times
WCSART says they shared the story as a “cautionary and educational moment.” They say hot tubs are a great place to relax, but they should be enjoyed sparingly. On that note, they suggest a maximum immersion time of 15-30 minutes.
The news release warns that hypothermia and heat stroke can both be fatal. The two women’s fates may have been different if their friends had not acted so fast.
