The preparation and wisdom of a good hiking partner prevented tragedy for a young woman on a hot Friday, July 5 near the top of Mt. Mansfield. A young woman, overcome by heat and unable to move, was saved by the quick thinking and action of her boyfriend.

Stowe Mountain Rescue reported on its Facebook Page about what happened on Sunset Ridge as a cautionary tale about hiking in extreme heat, which according to Accuweather hit 90 degrees in Stowe. Commenters on the Facebook story also noted the high humidity.

“We were reminded of the dangers of heat exhaustion today as we responded to Sunset Ridge to help a young woman who was overcome by the heat and unable to move,” the Stowe Mountain Rescue post said. “She was accompanied by Boyfriend Of The Year who was incredibly well prepared and doing all the right things. “

“He poured water over her head and had her lying on cool shady ground, which doesn’t sound very romantic but these are both good was to dissipate heat. He even had an ice pack for her armpit! When we reached her we plied her with drink and electrolytes and in time she stabilised to the point that she could walk.

“She carefully picked her way down Sunset Ridge on angry knees, supported by us and eyeing the litter that Underhill and Jericho Fire Department had brought up, just in case. With rests and encouragement she was able to make it down under her own steam, much to everyone’s relief.

“The takeaways? Be aware of heat exhaustion which if untreated can lead to heat stroke. Drink lots, seek shade, use the cool ground and evaporation as cooling mechanisms,” Stowe Mountain Rescue said – and concluded with this afterthought –

“Oh, and get yourself a partner who will prepare for every eventuality, call for help when necessary and carry your backpack for you. We call that a keeper!