Rescue w/ PemiSAR on Mt Lafayette

Mt Lafayette - Hypothermia is always a concern in the Whites, at any time of year. At 8pm on June 19th, NH Fish & Game was alerted to a group of hikers near the summit of Mt. Lafayette suffering from hypothermia, and lacking visibility, lights and warm clothing. The AMC Hut Croo provided an initial response to reach and warm up the hikers, one of whom was unresponsive, while the Pemi and LRSAR teams mustered to hike up and assist in carrying the hiker from the summit to the Greenleaf Hut.

While en route, another call came in for another group of hikers also affected by hypothermia, 1.1 miles up the trail. Dispatched rescuers responding to the initial call were able to meet up with these hikers on the way and provide lights, dry clothing and assist them back to the trailhead.

Rescue teams reached the unresponsive hiker near the summit shortly after 1am. He was then carried down to the Greenleaf Hut arriving at 2:55 am. Once at the hut, rescuers were able to get shelter from the weather and over the next several hours provide treatment for hypothermia and cold-related injuries. Thankfully, the initially nonresponsive hiker began improving and regained consciousness, and was eventually able to be assisted to the trailhead by approximately 8am, where he was transported by ambulance.

With our highly variable and extreme weather, we recommend always bringing with the 10 Essentials, including headlamps and extra clothing, as well as checking the higher summit forecasts from Mount Washington Observatory when hiking in the Whites. Stay safe out there.