Forest rangers in New York conducted several wilderness rescue missions last week, including two incidents where they rescued poorly-prepared hikers.
On Monday, May 26 at 10:41 p.m., forest rangers received a report of a group of three hikers needing assistance on the Marcy Dam truck trail.
Officials with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation said the hikers from Georgia could not get out of the woods because they didn’t have adequate light sources.
A forest ranger found the hikers and escorted them out of the woods.
In another incident on Monday, May 26, forest rangers received a report from Hudson Highlands Park staff of a hiker who was unable to continue hiking.
Parks staff reached the 20-year-old from Peekskill who was experiencing body cramping.
At 4:30 p.m., rangers provided food and electrolytes, which improved the hiker’s condition to the point she was able to make it out of the woods with the rescuers.
The subject refused further medical attention. Rangers ask that hikers remember to bring plenty of food and water for their hike in case the hike lasts longer than expected. Proper preparation for a hike can reduce bouts of cramping and dehydration.
In another rescue incident in New York last week, a forest ranger responded to a call for a hiker with a leg injury on the Prospect Mountain trail at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 25.
The ranger hiked to the 49-year-old from Manlius, splinted the hiker’s ankle, and packaged him in a litter.
With the help of Lake George Fire and EMS and North Queensbury Fire, the ranger carried the subject to a waiting ambulance. Resources were clear at 5:33 p.m.
