Elderly women rescued from hot tub at Kentucky cabin

WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — A girls’ cabin trip nearly turned tragic when Wolfe County Search and Rescue (WCSAR) was called by a group of elderly women in a hot tub.

According to the search and rescue team, “things went sideways” when two women in their 80s couldn’t get out of the hot tub due to “pre-existing issues.” They became overheated and began to suffer from hyperthermia.

The pair’s friends jumped into action. One of the women got into the hot tub to keep their friends’ heads above water while the other called for help.

EMS was reportedly not immediately available, but the cabin’s caretakers and search and rescue team responded. When help arrived, the duo had managed to get the two women out of the water. According to WCSAR, one of the women was in critical condition, and the other was partially responsive.

First responders took the critical patient to the cabin’s shower, where they applied cold water and ice to her body to cool her down. Ice and cold compresses were used in efforts to cool the other patient down, but crews eventually had to use the water hose to spray cool water on her.

After around 30 minutes of “cold water immersion,” WCSAR said both of the women showed signs of recovery and were taken to an area hospital.

“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,” the search and rescue team said. “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.”