Overview

• Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team received a 911 call around 8:40 p.m. on Aug. 20 about two unresponsive seniors at a cabin near Red River Gorge off Highway 715.
• The women became hyperthermic after they were unable to exit the hot tub due to pre-existing issues, as a friend re‑entered the water to keep their heads above the surface while 911 was called.
• With EMS initially unavailable, caretakers, the Wolfe County Sheriff's Office and WCSART responded, including a team member who is an EMT.
• Rescuers used cold-water immersion for roughly 20–30 minutes, applying a cold shower, ice and a garden hose to lower core temperatures before transferring both patients to EMS.
• Both women were released from a local hospital the next day and reported to be doing well, as officials urged limiting hot-tub soaks to 15–30 minutes and confirming exit ability before entering.