MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A pregnant woman, a man and three dogs were rescued from the Ocala National Forest last week, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
In a release, deputies said the incident happened on Friday, when the people and animals were located along the Florida Trail, deep in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.
[WATCH: Pregnant woman rescued after dangerous hike in Florida heat]
“At around, 3:15 p.m., a call was received after the couple began suffering signs of heat exhaustion along the Florida National Scenic Trail,” the release reads.
Deputies added that the couple told dispatchers they had underestimated the heat, were running low on water, and were over an hour from the trailhead on foot.
But as temperatures and medical concerns grew, Air-1 responded to help guide rescuers through the remote terrain and quickly located the group, the sheriff’s office revealed.
“The woman is around 25 weeks pregnant, and she was showing obvious signs of heat exhaustion,” the release reads. “After receiving an IV drip for dehydration, the couple and their dogs were safely evacuated from the wilderness area.”
The sheriff’s office also provided the following tips for those planning to hike or spend time outdoors:
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need
- Avoid peak afternoon heat when possible
- Know your route and estimated travel time
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in both people and pets