Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to a NATCOM 911 Center distress call on June 7 regarding two hikers lost off the Caroline Dormon Backbone Trail in Kisatchie National Forest in Natchitoches Parish.

911 operators were limited in obtaining accurate GPS coordinates due to a weak cellphone signal but gathered enough information to determine the hikers were likely in the area of the Caroline Dormon Trail.

At the time, the temperature exceeded 90 degrees with a heat index over 100 degrees.

Multiple units arrived on the scene and confirmed the location details. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and a Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 drone were deployed to assist. A coordinated ground and aerial search commenced, continuing throughout the afternoon.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., the two hikers were located, suffering from symptoms of heat exhaustion.

They were safely extricated from the forest and transported to an awaiting EMS unit for evaluation. Two members of Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 also experienced heat exhaustion symptoms and were treated on scene. All individuals were released without requiring further transport to a medical facility.
Sheriff Stuart Wright thanks all responding units for their quick response and dedicated efforts in today’s successful search and rescue operation.

Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities during high temperatures. Heat exhaustion can set in quickly, especially in remote areas where hydration and shelter are limited. Always carry adequate water, wear appropriate clothing, know your route, and let someone know your plans before entering wilderness areas.

The United States Forest Service was notified.