An “extremely” hypothermic hiker with frozen limbs had to be rescued by helicopter Thursday morning after he became stuck in several feet of snow on a New Hampshire mountain, officials said.
The hiker, who officials identified as a 28-year-old man from Portland, Maine, was heading to the top of Mount Lafayette to watch the sunrise when he encountered deep snow and decided to turn back down, according to New Hampshire. Fish and game.
Officials said the hiker was unable to find the trail as he descended the mountain due to howling winds and frigid temperatures. He eventually called 911 for help from an area 1,000 feet off the trail, just below the summit of Little Haystack on Franconia Ridge.
A call was made to the Army National Guard around 10 a.m. in hopes of an airlift, but poor visibility due to snow showers and clouds delayed the rescue, officials said.
When a ground crew reached the hike about three hours later, he was said to be “extremely” hypothermic. He was given shelter, dry clothing and warm fluids.
About 3:15 p.m., the clouds cleared and the Army National Guard brought down a medic and hoisted the hiker into the helicopter, officials said.
“This air rescue saved a multi-hour operation through rugged terrain and is a testament to how search and rescue works in New Hampshire, with diverse groups working together for a common goal,” Fish and Game said in a statement.
Fish and Game warned hikers that “wintry conditions have arrived in the mountains” and urged them to be prepared for their trek by packing essentials including a map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter and first aid equipment, whistle, rain/wind jackets, trousers and a knife.
The hiker was flown to Littleton Regional Healthcare for additional treatment.
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