Multiple Hiker Rescues This Weekend
Emergency personnel in Albuquerque successfully rescued a hiker who was injured on the Pino Trail, with Albuquerque Fire Rescue assisting in walking the injured individual down. A New York forest ranger also shared insights from a recent rescue operation involving a hiker lost for two days in the rugged Dix Range of the Adirondacks. Additionally, a lone hiker survived a serious fall on Devil's Peak, thanks to quick action from passing hikers and technical rescue teams.
The hiker rescued in the Adirondacks' Dix Range, a 58-year-old from Mechanicville, was found with symptoms of mild hypothermia and frostbite after spending two unexpected nights in the wilderness. More than 20 forest rangers, assisted by New York State Police Aviation, were involved in the extensive search which was initiated after the hiker's wife reported him overdue. The search was complicated by rugged terrain and recent snowfall, with temperatures dropping below zero. In Albuquerque, the rescue on the Pino Trail involved a 59-year-old man who suffered from diabetic issues and a broken ankle after a fall. A coordinated effort between Albuquerque PD Open Space Officers, Bernalillo County Fire Department, and other agencies was required to locate and evacuate him. Rescuers reached the man, who was also dehydrated, at an elevation of 7,500 feet and he was hoisted out by a Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office helicopter. The Devil's Peak rescue involved a 28-year-old man who had fallen in Second Waterfall Ravine, injuring his leg and remaining unable to move for two days. He was discovered after a group of passing hikers heard his cries for help and alerted authorities. Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) teams used a specialized stretcher and a rope system to safely navigate the steep, uneven terrain and bring him to safety. A 2009 study of search and rescue missions in Adirondack Park found that over half of the victims had little to no experience with their planned activity, and less than half carried any orientation equipment. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) advises hikers to wear moisture-wicking fabrics, carry a map and compass, and inform someone of their travel plans. For winter hiking, they stress the importance of layers, waterproof gear, and snowshoes or traction devices. In many parts of the United States, including New York and New Mexico, search and rescue operations are provided as a free public service. Costs are often covered by state funds or volunteer organizations, based on the principle that fear of a large bill should not delay a call for help. However, if a private air ambulance is used for medical transport after the rescue, the individual may be billed for that service.
