An experienced 54-year-old hiker was rescued from a New Hampshire hiking trail after suffering a serious but non-life threatening injury to his leg, illustrating how the wilderness poses potential dangers to even the most experienced recreationists.
On January 4th at around 12:35pm, Conservation Officers with the NH Fish and Game Department were alerted to an injured hiker on the Wapack Trail in Greenfield. 54-year-old Greg Austin and his hiking party had summited North Pack Monadnock Mountain when he slipped on the snow and ice and suffered a serious leg injury.
Austin’s wife called 911 for assistance after confirming that he could not walk on his own. The GPS coordinates placed him 1.2 miles from the trailhead on Mountain Road. Greenfield Fire Department, Greenfield Police Department, Peterborough Fire and Rescue Department, Lyndeborough Fire Department, Wilton Fire Department, Wilton Ambulance, and Conservation Officers all responded to the scene.
Austin was treated for his injuries and wrapped in warm clothing before being placed in a litter. Rescue officials then carried the hiker down the mountain, having to belay the litter with rope due to the steep terrain at multiple locations. Finally, at around 3:30pm, Austin was carried out to the parking lot on Mountain Road and transferred to a Wilton Hospital.
Greg Austin is an experienced hiker who was well prepared for the winter conditions at the time of the accident. His preparedness likely made the emergency easier to handle, and this story serves as a reminder to hikers to always prepare themselves before venturing into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items (map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife), as even the most experienced can wind up facing emergencies.
Fore more information on safe hiking, visit www.hikeSafe.com.
