Massachusetts Hiker Assisted Off Mount Washington: Report

Concord NH

26 July, 2021

1:32 PM

Description

SARGENT'S PURCHASE, NH — A Massachusetts woman, who was injured while climbing down Mount Washington, was assisted by New Hampshire Fish & Game conservation officers and others on Friday and taken to the hospital for treatment. Around 1:15 p.m., Jennifer Hughes, 46, of Waltham, Mass., slipped and fell while climbing down the mountain. The fall resulted in a lower leg injury leaving her unable to walk, according to Matthew Holmes of Fish & Game. Hughes' injury occurred about 4,000 feet up the mountain and more than two and a half miles from the Route 16 trailhead. Conservation officers and members of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team were requested to assist in getting Hughes out off the mountain. "A caretaker for the AMC Hermit Lake Shelter was contacted by radio and immediately hiked to the scene," Holmes said. "This individual was able to provide first aid and get the injured leg splinted, allowing Hughes to slowly hop down the trail with the support of others on each side. Two additional volunteers from AVSAR, one an EMT, hiked to the scene as well and rendered additional assistance. Responding Conservation Officers utilized ATVs to ascend the John Sherburn Ski Trail, and were able to stage the machines at Hermit Lake before joining other rescuers to assist Hughes." At the lake, she was taken down the mountain to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and then, checked by Gorham EMTs, who took her to the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin for treatment. "Hughes and her hiking companions were found to be prepared for their hike with adequate gear and a sound trip plan," Holmes said. "Conservation officers would once again like to thank their volunteers and supporting organizations for all that they do to work as a team and to facilitate safe and effective rescue operations." Got a news tip? Send it to [email protected]. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.