New York Forest Rangers responded to a string of emergencies across the Adirondack backcountry in June. Most of these rescues were cases of dehydrated hikers during the hot weather, Adirondacks Explorer reported.The rescues took place in Essex, Hamilton and Washington counties between June 8 and June 13. Rangers worked with emergency medical teams, the New York State Police Aviation Unit and local fire departments to reach people in remote areas where access was difficult.The incidents highlight the importance of preparing before heading into the backcountry. Rangers have reminded hikers to carry enough water, pack food with high protein and calories, and follow recommended hiking safety practices.
Dehydrated hiker on Gray Peak
One of the most serious incidents happened on June 13 in the Town of Keene, Essex County. At 5.23 pm, Ray Brook, an emergency dispatch centre,received a report about a dehydrated hiker on the Feldspar Brook Trail on Gray Peak. Forest Ranger Odell spoke with the reporting party, who said the 32-year-old hiker from Connecticut was vomiting every time they tried to move.Because of the hiker’s condition and the remote location, the New York State Police Aviation Unit was called in. Pilot Engel picked up Forest Rangers Nahor and Quinn from the Lake Colden Outpost and flew them to Lake Tear of the Clouds.The rangers reached the hiker, helped them into the helicopter and flew them to Marcy Field. Keene Emergency Medical Services met the helicopter on arrival and took over the patient’s care.
Rescue in Dix Mountain Wilderness
Just days earlier, on June 8, Forest Rangers responded to another dehydration-related emergency in the Dix Mountain Wilderness. At 9.46 pm, Ray Brook Dispatch received information from Essex County about a 911 text from an ill hiker on the Lillian Brook Trail.Rangers and a paramedic from Schroon Lake EMS reached the 52-year-old hiker from Potsdam at around 1.30 am. After assessing the situation, they determined the hiker could not continue without assistance.The paramedic administered intravenous fluids before rangers carried the hiker to the Elk Lake trailhead. A Schroon Lake ambulance was waiting there to transport the patient.
Rescue at Gray Peak
Trail worker suffers seizure
On June 9, Forest Rangers also responded to a medical emergency involving a trail worker in Avalanche Pass. At 4.04 pm, Ray Brook Dispatch received a report from a member of the Student Conservation Association that one of their crew members had suffered a seizure while carrying out trail work.Forest Ranger Odell spoke with the trail crew’s supervisor, who explained that the 23-year-old worker from Pennsylvania had epilepsy and that exertion in the hot weather may have contributed to the incident.New York State Police Pilot Sergeant Beck flew Rangers Bowler and Martin to the location. The rangers placed the patient in the helicopter, and Sergeant Beck transported them to Adirondack Medical Center.
Overnight rescue
Another dehydration call came in on June 10. At 10 pm, Ray Brook Dispatch received a Garmin SOS alert reporting a medical emergency near the Wolf Jaw Lean-to in the Town of Keene.Forest Rangers reached the 21-year-old hiker at 11.45 pm. They determined the hiker was dehydrated and provided food and water, which improved the person’s condition.After stabilising the hiker, the rangers helped them walk out of the woods. The incident was closed at 2.50 am.
Hiker with cardiac history
Another medical emergency unfolded on June 13 on Basin Mountain. At 4.04 pm, Ray Brook Dispatch received a report that a hiker was having difficulty breathing.Forest Ranger Ezumah contacted the reporting party and learned that the hiker had a history of cardiac events and was experiencing an irregular pulse.Pilot Engel flew Rangers Ezumah and Shea to the reported coordinates. When Ranger Ezumah was inserted at the location, the hiker had already moved.The 45-year-old’s hiking partner said they were heading towards Johns Brook Outpost. Meanwhile, Forest Ranger Odell was already hiking into the area and found the hiker at 6.23 pm. Ranger Odell helped the hiker reach the Garden Parking Lot, where a family member was waiting.Following the series of incidents, Forest Rangers reminded visitors to take precautions and prepare for changing conditions before entering the backcountry. They advised hikers to carry at least two litres of water per person and pack foods that are high in protein and calories.Officials said anyone needing a Forest Ranger for a search and rescue, should call 833-NYS-RANGERS.
