Rescue in the White Mountains, New Hampshire, Calls for Hiking Safety Reminder
Last weekend, according to the NH Fish and Game website, a rescue team was sent up Mt. Madison in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to rescue an injured hiker.
Rescuers from both Maine and New Hampshire were activated, and after hours of hiking up, they safely rescued the 48-year-old hiker who was unable to walk.
The hiker, after suffering a debilitating injury to his leg, "deployed a personal locator beacon to signal for help," according to NH Fish and Game.
This story is a great reminder about simple hiking safety.
If you can, traveling with a locator, Garmin, GPS, or some kind of signal for emergencies is key; however, it is not always necessary for smaller hikes.
There is, however, one VERY easy thing you can, and should, do to be safe while exploring the woods in New England.
This "method" of safety should be used at any hiking level and every single hike - no exceptions. Whether it is a small trip up Mt. Major or a backpacking weekend through the Pemigewasset Loop, one simple task could mean the difference between life and death.
It was taught to me at a young age, and I put it to practice on every single hike I tackle.
1. Tell someone where you are going. Not the mountain, but instead the exact trail you will be taking.
2. Tell that person when you plan to be completed. Tell them "You should expect a text that we are off the mountain by 3 PM."
3. Have an "emergency" time set. When communicating to someone about your planned hiking trail and time, you should have a "call for help" time.
For example, if you plan to be off the mountain and send the "I'm finished" text at 3 pm, the "emergency, call for help" time might be 5 pm. If your emergency contact, or whoever knows what trail you are on, does not hear from you by X:XX time, they call for help.
And since that emergency contact knows what trail you are on, the direction you are headed, and the details of your trip, they will be able to send help to the right area quickly.
Injuries happen on the simplest of hikes. The most experienced hiker can trip and break a leg, or become unconscious easily. Having someone off the mountain know your exact plan and location is not only smart, but it could be life-saving one day.
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