Rescuers endured freezing temperatures, difficult trail conditions, and a mix of rain and snow to rescue a hypothermic hiker who was reportedly drifting in and out of consciousness on a remote section of the Long Trail this weekend.
According to officials with the Vermont-based rescue group Sharp End Rescue, crews from the Montgomery Fire Search and Rescue Team (MSAR) and Lowell Volunteer Fire Department (LFD) responded to a report of a hypothermic hiker at 1 a.m. on Saturday, October 17.
The 19-year-old hiker was on a college outdoor club backpacking trip and was reportedly drifting in and out of consciousness. The group was reportedly in a remote section of the Long Trail north of Tillotson Camp in far northern Vermont. The area was experiencing freezing temperatures overnight and precipitation that was a mix of rain and snow.
Members of MSAR, LFD, and a Vermont State Police (VSP) trooper reached the group at around 2 a.m. Rescuers found the students actively working to care for their friend and protect the hiker from further exposure. They had established a tent, were in the process of starting a fire, and had bundled the patient in a sleeping bag while huddling together to conserve warmth.
MSAR provided additional warming measures, including providing a chemical warming blanket, replacing wet clothing, and adding several down jackets for insulation.
With the patient’s condition showing signs of improvement, and considering the challenging trail conditions and difficult weather conditions, rescuers made the decision to continue actively warming the hiker and delay evacuation until daylight.
Given the group’s proximity to Tillotson Camp, MSAR members directed the student trip leader to take the remaining members of the college group to the camp, where adequate shelter was available. Meanwhile, MSAR, LFD, and VSP personnel remained with the patient, continuing warming efforts and monitoring the hiker’s condition throughout the night.
At approximately 6:45 a.m., three members of Stowe Mountain Rescue began hiking up the trail to rendezvous with the rescue team and provide additional support should the evacuation require a litter carry.
After roughly five hours of warming, rest, and nourishment, the patient’s condition had improved enough so the hiker could walk out on their own. With support from rescuers, the patient successfully hiked 2.65 miles to a waiting ambulance, arriving at approximately 10:15 a.m.
Rescuers lauded the work of the students to help their companion. They said the students recognized the seriousness of the situation, initiated appropriate care, and took meaningful steps to protect their friend while awaiting rescue.
