Rescue crews carried an injured hiker five miles as part of a lengthy rescue in a remote area of New Hampshire on Friday.
According to New Hampshire Fish and Game officials, they received a report of an injured hiker on the Lincoln Brook Trail within the Pemigewasset Wilderness of New Hampshire at around 10 a.m. on Friday, July 25.
The hiker, Stephanie Latchford, 48, of Gilbert, South Carolina, had reportedly suffered a lower leg injury, which made her unable to walk on her own.
Unfortunately, she was located near Thirteen Falls Tentsite, which is roughly eight miles from the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center in Lincoln.
Latchford was hiking with a girls Scout group when the incident occurred. The group spent the previous evening at Thirteen Falls Tentsite and were planning on returning to the parking area via the Lincoln Brook Trail.
During the second brook crossing, Latchford slipped on a wet rock and fell, causing her to injure her lower leg.
A short time later, a hiking group of Good Samaritans came upon Latchford and were able to use the emergency 911 text through their phone to request assistance.
While waiting for the rescue crew to arrive, the Good Samaritans used a hammock as a makeshift litter. They were able to carry Latchford to the tent site and provide comfort until the rescue crew arrived.
Conservation officers, volunteer members of the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team and a member of the Campton/Thornton Fire Department were able to ride by ATV and the Campton/Thornton UTV for the first three miles of the trek. From there, they hiked up the remaining five miles to get to Latchford, arriving around 2:15 pm.
The crew was able to stabilize her injury and began to carry Latchford back out to the trailhead in Lincoln Woods. Latchford arrived at the ATVs at 5:17 pm and was driven out by UTV the remaining three miles.
Latchwood was transferred to the awaiting Linwood Ambulance and brought to Littleton Health for further evaluation and treatment.
Officials said it is important for hikers in remote areas such as the Pemi Wilderness to be prepared for an extended stay if they have an emergency, as it takes several hours for rescue personnel to assemble and make it to the location.
Hikers should bring the proper equipment to keep dry and warm by packing the 10 essential items, including warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, knife, map and compass.
For additional information, visit www.hikeSafe.com.
