A Pennsylvania hiker was airlifted off Mount Monadnock on Friday, Aug. 14, after experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency near the summit.
New Hampshire State Police dispatch notified N.H. Fish and Game conservation officers around 1:20 p.m. about a hiker in distress near the upper junction of the White Dot and White Cross trails.
A Department of Natural and Cultural Resources park ranger near the scene reached the hiker, identified as Thomas LaValley, 49, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, shortly after the 911 call and helped stabilize him.
Conservation officers, DNCR park staff, and volunteers from the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team responded to the trail. Conservation officers requested assistance from the New Hampshire Army National Guard, which dispatched a Black Hawk helicopter crew.
The helicopter landed at a designated site near LaValley at roughly 4:10 p.m. The aircrew transported LaValley to Elliot Hospital in Manchester for evaluation.
Officials noted that LaValley was an experienced hiker and was properly prepared for the trip.
N.H. Fish and Game reminds outdoor enthusiasts to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe to support search-and-rescue operations. Safe hiking tips and essential gear lists are available at hikesafe.com.