• Airlifted after severe allergic reaction
• Doctors warn of the dangers of stings from this type of insect

A female hiker was airlifted to a hospital after being stung by fire ants while walking along a camping trail in California.

Emergency crews rushed to assist her at the West Fork trail in Cold Springs after she suffered a severe allergic reaction caused by the ant stings, according to rescue teams.

A helicopter from Santa Barbara County spotted the hiker before ground crews were able to reach her on foot.

A rescuer was lowered down to pull her and she was then airlifted to hospital for medical treatment, authorities said.

Her current condition remains unclear.

The Cleveland Clinic has warned that fire ant stings can, in rare cases, trigger life-threatening allergic reactions.

These painful, itchy stings usually appear on the legs and feet.

Experts describe fire ants as small red insects measuring between 1 and 5 millimeters in length. They have six legs, prominent jaws, and a venomous stinger located at the rear of the body.

People are often stung when walking on ground where the ants live and when bare skin comes into contact with them.

Fire ant stings typically begin with a burning or stinging sensation, followed by itchy bumps that may turn into blisters and usually disappear within about a week.

In rare cases, a sting can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which may lead to dizziness, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or even cardiac arrest, according to the Cleveland Clinic.