Game wardens, forest rangers team up to rescue hiker in 100-Mile Wilderness

A 33-year-old hiker from Ohio was airlifted from one of the most remote sections of the Appalachian Trail early on Sunday, July 27 after he was experiencing chest pains.

Game wardens received a call at approximately 7:15 a.m. that a hiker was experiencing chest pains at the Sidney Tappan campsite on the Appalachian trail, located between Gulf Hagas Mountain and West Peak. This campsite is located on the area known as the 100-Mile Wilderness, one of the more remote and difficult sections of the trail.

Rescuers split into two groups in order to access the campsite from each side of the mountain. Game wardens were able to use an ATV to get within a half mile of the trail, then were able to hike into the campsite where they located the ill hiker. Once there, they were able to radio a Maine Forest Ranger Helicopter who then extricated the hiker from the trail, brought him to an awaiting ambulance, and then transported him to Northern Light CA Dean Hospital in Greenville.

Along with the Maine Warden Service and Maine Forest Rangers, Greenville Rescue, CA Dean Ambulance and an Appalachian Mountain Club employee assisted in the rescue.