A 61-year-old Connecticut man was assisted by New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers after suffering a shoulder and back injury during a hike on Mt. Washington Tuesday.
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, an unrelated hiker called 911 at approximately 3:15pm on September 15th after encountering the injured man on Crawford Path between the Lakes of the Clouds and the summit.
The injured hiker told authorities that he had fallen and dislocated his shoulder. He also reported a back injury. Despite the injuries, Siuzdak intended to continue toward the summit and determine his options once he arrived.
Conservation officers advised him to continue with that plan while they made their way toward him.
Officers Escort Hiker To Summit
Two conservation officers reached the summit at approximately 5pm and hiked roughly one-third of a mile down Crawford Path to meet Siuzdak.
Siuzdak continued slowly toward the summit with the officers flanking him to help prevent another fall. He ultimately reached the summit under his own power at approximately 5:30pm.
From the summit, an officer transported Siuzdak to the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road, where Gorham EMS evaluated him.
Siuzdak had managed to relocate his shoulder and told responders that he wanted to return to his vehicle and drive himself to an urgent care facility. After being assessed by EMS, he was given a ride back to his vehicle at the Cog Railway.
Extra Gear Helped After Fall
Conservation officers learned that Siuzdak had started his hike at approximately 4am, using the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.
At around 10am, he slipped on wet granite slabs a short distance below the Lakes of the Clouds and suffered his injuries.
New Hampshire Fish and Game said Siuzdak had reviewed hiking recommendations on the department’s website before his trip. Based on those recommendations, he packed extra warm clothing and a first aid kit.
Those preparations proved valuable following his fall, highlighting the importance of carrying appropriate emergency gear during long hikes in the White Mountains.
New Hampshire Fish and Game regularly reminds hikers that conditions on Mt. Washington can change rapidly, making preparation particularly important even during planned summer and fall outings.