Game wardens respond to several rescues on the Appalachian Trail
On July 5 the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a 21-year-old female hiking southbound on the Appalachian Trail (AT) complaining of nausea near the Wilson Valley Lean-to. Four game wardens from the Greenville area responded along with Greenville Fire Department, Monson Fire Department and C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital EMS personnel. The woman was provided medical treatment at the scene then carried out by litter to an awaiting ATV. She was then transported to C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
On July 3 a 67-year-old man was assisted off the AT with heat exhaustion. The hiker activated a GPS locator which indicated he needed assistance, providing responding units a good location to search for the man. Game wardens and other rescuers got to him using a nearby trail accessible by ATV. The hiker was then transported to the hospital for evaluation. Those who assisted were instrumental in this rescue, including members of the Maine Forest Service, Monson Fire Department and C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital personnel.
Game wardens have responded to several other incidents this week involving calls from concerned family members of hikers who are navigating Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness. The Maine Warden Service asks that hikers be prepared for Maine’s rigorous AT. The following safety tips are good reminders for anyone looking to hike Maine’s remote trail hiking systems:
Always have detailed hiking plans and leave them with someone who is trustworthy.
Be sure to have several days of food, water, and basic survival equipment.
Stay on marked trails and do not take shortcuts.
Stay up to date on the weather. During extreme heat, hikers should allow themselves more time. Also, thunderstorms can raise stream and river levels in localized areas and can create delays for hikers.
Hikers should invest in satellite based GPS communication devices, especially in remote areas. This technology allows family to track and communicate with those who are hiking.
Photo courtesy of Maine Warden Service
TRAIL CARRY-OFF — Game Wardens Josh Polland and Kyle Franklin, along with members of the Greenville and Monson fire departments, conduct a carry-out off the Appalachian Trail on the morning of July 5. The 21-year-old female hiker dealing with nausea near the Wilson Valley Lean-to received medical treatment at the scene and she was taken to C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital in Greenville for evaluation.
Photo courtesy of Maine Warden Service
WILDERNESS RESPONDERS — Game Warden Josh Polland, left, and C.A Dean Paramedic Kevin Springer attend to a sick hiker on the Appalachian Trail. The Maine Warden Service asks that hikers be prepared for traveling along Maine’s rigorous section of the Appalachian Trail.