A Massachusetts man was transported by helicopter to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency on Mount Monadnock over the weekend, according to police.
Brian Bissell, 54, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was hiking the White Dot trail on Saturday morning, when he began experiencing dehydration symptoms, according to a Facebook post by his daughter, Sam Bissell, who was hiking with him. Mr. Bissell would later suffer two “massive heart attacks,” according to his daughter.
“And were it not for Beatrice and Justin, and the defibrillator that had just been brought up by a ranger moments before… Let’s just say there was some divine intervention in that timing,” Bissell posted on Sunday afternoon. “For now, we’re at [Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts], putting the pieces together and thanking our lucky stars in the biggest way.”
New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified by Monadnock State Park of an individual in need of immediate assistance at about 1 p.m., according to a Fish and Game press release. Personnel from the state park and other local emergency services were initially notified by a 911 call placed by a family member.
Bissell was fortunate, according to the release, as many first responders and private citizens were on scene so quickly, able to provide the assistance he needed. Bissell especially benefited by a registered nurse and others in his vicinity who had “extensive medical backgrounds.”
“I don’t know most of these people’s names… but I do know I owe them a debt of gratitude that I can never repay, and that more than ever, I believe our lives are constantly supported by a network of kind strangers,” posted Bissell. “People who show up and help, no questions asked.”
After Bissell was stabilized, he was transported off the mountain by first responders and good Samaritans to an awaiting ambulance. He was subsequently transported to Bay State Medical Center by a UMass Life Flight Helicopter.
Despite the weather cooling down on Saturday, New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds those hiking to to stay well hydrated and prepared for a safe hike.
Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey Fire Department, Troy Fire Department, Dublin Fire Department, and Peterborough Ambulance all assisted in the rescue.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.