Hypothermic hiker loses sneaker in off-trail fall on Mount Washington, rescuers say

A hiker who lost a sneaker after falling and hitting his head while off-trail on Mount Washington called 911 for help, New Hampshire rescuers said.

Rescue teams set out to find the 23-year-old man from Georgetown, Kentucky, after he made a call to 911 at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, March 7, New Hampshire Fish and Game said in a news release.

Using GPS coordinates from his phone, they found him in the Ammonoosuc Ravine, rescuers said.

He had fallen down into the ravine while hiking off-trail, losing one of his sneakers and hitting his head, rescuer said. Rescuers found him suffering from hypothermia at 10:29 p.m.

“He was given boots, food, warm drink, proper winter gear, and a headlamp,” the release said.

Rescuers hiked out with the man to a parking area at 1:39 a.m. Friday, March 8, officials said. An ambulance took the man to a hospital for treatment.

At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is New Hampshire’s highest peak.

What to do if you get stranded in cold weather

When the body is exposed to prolonged cold temperatures, it starts to lose heat faster than it can produce it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy,” the CDC said. “The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.”

Low body temperatures can impact the brain and cause people to be unable to move or think clearly. However, the National Weather Service said there are ways to help you stay safe.

If you’re outside in cold weather, find shelter and stay dry. Cover every part of your body that’s exposed to the cold air.

If there’s nowhere to go nearby, build a windbreak or snow cave for protection. You should also continue to move your body to keep blood circulating, but don’t overexert yourself, officials said.

If you get trapped in a vehicle during a storm, officials said you should stay inside it and stay visible to rescuers.

“Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat,” the National Weather Service said. “While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning.”

This story was originally published March 11, 2024 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Hypothermic hiker loses sneaker in off-trail fall on Mount Washington, rescuers say."