A hiker carried his injured companion for roughly three-quarters of a mile down a New Hampshire trail yesterday, helping reduce the burden on the rescue crew.
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials received a report of an injured hiker on the Carter-Moriah Trail at around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 10. The 39-year-old hiker from Florida was 2.2 miles up from the parking lot.
The hiker was reportedly descending a steep granite slab when she slipped on a wet section and suffered a lower leg injury.
Unable to place weight on the leg or continue hiking, her hiking companion splinted the injured leg and called 911 for assistance. Conservation officers and volunteers from Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue responded.
While waiting for rescue crews to arrive, the injured hiker’s companion carried her on his back nearly three-quarters of a mile down the trail. Officials said both the injured hiker and her companion had been hiking the Appalachian Trail since April.
The first rescuers reached the hiker at 3:25 p.m. She was placed in a litter and carried to an awaiting ATV.
Once they reached the ATV, she was transferred and driven down the remaining 1.25 miles to the parking lot, arriving at 5 p.m. Although suffering from a serious leg injury, the hiker refused treatment and said she would seek medical treatment on her own.
Officials said the hikers were well prepared for a hike of this magnitude and had gear and supplies to stay out for several days if necessary. The injured hiker did possess a Hike Safe card.
