On August 14, 2013, Conservation Officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department responded to multiple rescues, including incidents in Orange and Waterville Valley.
The first incident occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m., when a hiker suffered an injury while ascending the West Ridge Trail on Mt. Cardigan in the town of Orange. The injured hiker was identified as Joseph Grady, age 55, of Attleboro, MA. Grady was ascending the West Ridge Trail when he was injured as a result of slipping and falling near the summit of Mt. Cardigan. Rescue personnel from Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team (UVWRT), Canaan Fire Department, Canaan Ambulance, Grafton Fire Department and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department hiked into Grady’s location to provide initial patient care. Grady was then placed in a litter and carried down the West Ridge Trail approximately 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking area in Orange. They arrived safely at the trailhead at approximately 3:00 p.m.
A second incident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m., when a hiker was injured while descending the Osceola Trail on Mt. Osceola in the town of Waterville Valley. Martha Thompson, age 39, of Leicester, MA, was descending the Osceola Trail when she slipped, lost her balance and fell. She then attempted to descend the trail with the help of her husband, Matthew Thompson and hikers passing by, but was unable to continue down the trail due to the extent of her injury.
Once notified, rescue personnel from Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team PVSART, UVWRT, United States Forest Service, Waterville Valley Fire Department and Rescue, Woodstock Fire Department, Ashland Fire Department, Holderness Fire Department and Campton/Thornton Fire Department and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department responded to assist Thompson. She was provided first-aid for her injury and was placed in a litter for transport down the trail. After descending the Osceola Trail approximately 2.75 miles, rescuers arrived safely at the Osceola Trailhead parking area with the injured woman. The rescue concluded at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Fish and Game officials remind the public to please wear suitable clothing/hiking boots and to carry appropriate gear when enjoying trails in the White Mountains. Conditions can change quickly and terrain along trails can be variable. For more information on hiking safety, contact or visit: http://www.hikesafe.com.