Incident Description

 Verde Valley Fire District Crews were dispatched at approximately 5:19 pm to Angel Valley Retreat Center for a medical emergency involving a sweat lodge.  Upon arrival crews found multiple patients who had been involved in the sweat lodge ceremony. Captain Rauton called for additional resources due to the severity of the situation, prior to his turning the incident over to Chief Doerksen.  Medics on scene determined that the condition of 4 of the patients warranted transport by helicopter and these patients were flown to Flagstaff Medical Center.  Initially 6 more were transported by ground to Verde Valley Medical Center.  Camp Verde Fire Haz-Mat team was called as a precautionary measure-preliminary testing showed no hazardous materials.

It was determined that approximately 48 individuals plus organizers of the event were in the sweat lodge at the start of the event which took place over a 2 hour period. Medical personnel started evaluating the others involved and ended up transporting 8 more patients by ground at time of this report. (3 to Sedona Medical Center, 5 to Verde Valley Medical Center).

Owners of the Retreat center indicated that the center was rented out and was being facilitated by an outside agent.

Agencies on scene-Verde Valley Fire, Sedona Fire, Montezuma-Rimrock Fire, Verde Valley Ambulance, Camp Verde Fire, Angel 3 & 4, Native Air 14,  Yavapai County Sheriff (YCSO) and Trauma Intervention Volunteers.

 Fire crews finished at approximately 10:27 pm and scene was turned over to YCSO who will be conducting a full investigation.  For further information please contact YCSO.