Rescuers in New Hampshire carried an injured hiker over more than three miles of difficult terrain—including steep, rocky trails and water crossings—on Mount Chocorua Friday night.
Members of the Lakes Region Search and Rescue Team said they received a request for assistance at 8:09 p.m. on Friday, July 10 to help a 24-year-old male hiker who had injured his ankle near Champney Falls.
The hiker had reportedly injured his ankle earlier in the hike and called 911 once he determined he could not continue. At the time of the call, he was near the summit of Mount Chocorua.
Lakes Region team members arrived at the trailhead by 9 p.m. The team of 14 volunteers joined two New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers and hiked in with a litter, reaching the injured hiker near the summit at 11:02 p.m.
Team members provided medical care, including splinting the injured leg. The hiker reported significant injury pain, which the team addressed.
At 11:32 p.m. enough team members reached the patient to begin the carry. More would join the carry team during descent.
Team members carried the litter 3.4 miles to the trailhead, navigating multiple water crossings and challenging terrain along the way.
The team arrived back at the trailhead at 2:02 a.m. The hiker was transferred to his own vehicle, and his hiking partner transported him for further medical evaluation and treatment.
