Conservation officers with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department responded to an injured hiker on Sunday, Jan. 4, on the Wapack Trail in Greenfield.
Officers were notified at about 12:35 p.m. of a hiker who had been injured while descending North Pack Monadnock Mountain. The hiker was identified as Greg Austin, 54, of Greenfield.
Austin was hiking with a group after summiting the mountain when he slipped on snow and ice, suffering a serious but non-life-threatening leg injury. His wife called 911 after it became clear he could not walk on his own. GPS coordinates from the call placed Austin about 1.2 miles from the Mountain Road trailhead.
Austin is an experienced hiker and was well prepared for winter conditions, officials said.
Responders from Greenfield Fire and Police departments, Peterborough Fire and Rescue, Lyndeborough Fire Department, Wilton Fire Department, Wilton Ambulance, and New Hampshire Fish and Game assisted with the rescue.
Austin was treated at the scene, wrapped in warm clothing and placed in a litter. Rescuers carried him down the mountain, navigating icy, snow-covered terrain and steep sections that required the litter to be belayed by rope in some areas. He was carried out to the Mountain Road parking area at about 3:30 p.m. and transferred to Wilton Ambulance, which transported him to Monadnock Community Hospital for further treatment.
Fish and Game officials encourage the public to support search and rescue efforts by purchasing a Hike Safe Card. Hikers are also reminded to properly prepare before entering the backcountry by carrying essential items, including navigation tools, warm clothing, extra food and water, a headlamp, fire-starting materials, a first aid kit, a whistle, rain and wind protection, and a knife. More information is available at hikesafe.com.